Philippine Airlines (PAL) is acquiring nine A350-1000 aircraft from Airbus for an estimated $3.2 billion.
The Lucio Tan-led airline on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aircraft maker for the purchase of A350-1000s which sells for $356 million.
Under the flag carrier’s ultra-long haul fleet project, the units will be operated non-stop from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada.
The A350-1000 is the latest and largest version of the A350 family of long-range jetliners. The new aircraft will join two A350-900s already in service and currently flying to destinations in North America, Asia and Australia.
As with the A350-900, the PAL A350-1000s will be configured in a premium layout with separate business class, premium economy and economy class cabins.
PAL has likewise secured purchase rights on three additional A350-1000s to allow future expansion to new long haul destinations.
Captain Stanley K. Ng, president and chief operating office, said the range of the A350-1000 would enable the airline to fly non-stop transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions all year.
These will include some of the longest commercial flights in the world, such as those linking the Philippines with New York and Toronto. With an expanded A350 fleet, PAL will have the ability to once again provide a direct link from the Philippines to Europe.
Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer, said: “Flying passengers farther and in greater comfort, the A350 brings a step-change in fuel efficiency and an immediate significant contribution to reduced emissions. These are the attributes that have made the A350 the choice of leading airlines worldwide. We look forward to working closely with our long-standing customer Philippine Airlines as it moves forward with its long haul fleet modernization program.”
The first of the nine A350-1000s is set for delivery by the fourth quarter of 2025, continuing until 2027.
The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today and is capable of flying 8,700 nautical miles or 16,100 kilometres non-stop.
PAL operates various Airbus types on its full service network. In addition to the A350 on long-haul intercontinental routes, PAL flies A330-300s on services to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. The Philippine flag carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single aisle aircraft on its extensive domestic and regional network out of hubs in Manila and Cebu.
