PAL Holdings Inc. (PHI), operator of Philippine Airlines (PAL), announced on Thursday a major fleet modernization plan to meet rising travel demand and reinforce its position as the country’s flag carrier. During PHI’s virtual annual stockholders’ meeting, company president Lucio Tan III revealed that PAL will acquire nine Airbus A350-1000 long-haul aircraft and 13 Airbus A321Neo regional jets over the coming years.
In addition to new deliveries, the airline will retrofit its existing A321 CEO fleet with upgraded seating, enhanced in-flight entertainment, and improved Wi-Fi, aiming to boost passenger comfort and connectivity. These upgrades form part of PAL’s broader strategy to expand non-stop routes, forge new inter-airline partnerships, and strengthen its global connectivity.
Tan emphasized the airline’s commitment to responsible growth and operational excellence, noting that PAL remains focused on delivering service quality and advancing sustainability goals despite industry headwinds. The airline posted a net income of USD151.1 million in 2024, down 51 percent from the previous year, amid a modest decline in passenger revenue but gains in cargo and ancillary services.
With its fleet renewal and network expansion, PAL is positioning itself for long-term relevance in the competitive aviation landscape.
