Philippines
Philippine Airlines Expands Long-Haul Fleet with Third Airbus A350-1000 Delivery
The flag carrier prepares for increased services to the US as it welcomes a new aircraft into its fleet.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially welcomed its third Airbus A350-1000, enhancing its long-haul services. The aircraft, registered as RP-C3512, arrived in Manila from Airbus' delivery center in Toulouse, France, and is expected to enter commercial service after completing the required regulatory and operational preparations.
Initially, PAL will operate the Manila-San Francisco route three times a week—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—before transitioning to daily flights by September, according to the airline's announcement. This new addition is part of a broader plan to modernize its fleet, which includes an order for nine A350-1000s placed in 2023, with the remaining aircraft expected to be delivered by 2028.
The A350-1000 is recognized as PAL's flagship aircraft for long-haul operations, featuring advanced Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins. The aircraft is designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and a larger cargo capacity compared to previous models, as noted by officials from the airline.
“The A350-1000 is our flagship aircraft for long-haul operations, delivering significantly improved fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.”Philippine Airlines officials
In addition to the current order, PAL has recently announced plans to acquire nine more Airbus A350-1000s, with deliveries slated for between 2034 and 2036. The airline has also secured purchase rights for an additional five A350-1000 aircraft to accommodate future market demands. Furthermore, PAL signed an agreement with GE Aerospace for GEnx-1B engines, which will power 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners scheduled for delivery from 2031 to 2034, further enhancing its fleet modernization initiatives.
This expansion comes in the context of PAL's strategy to increase its presence in the North American market, following recent announcements regarding increased services to other destinations such as Vancouver, Toronto, and New York, as reported by InsideASEAN.