The Philippine Airlines is set to compete more aggressively in key international markets through a large-scale fleet expansion and modernization program. The carrier, led by the Lucio Tan group, has announced deals for aircraft, engines, and maintenance support that will see it take delivery of up to 34 new-generation widebody aircraft over the next 10 years.
The airline has placed orders for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners with options for five more units, plus nine Airbus A350-1000s also carrying options for an additional five planes. Deliveries are scheduled between 2031 and 2036 to steadily renew and grow PAL’s long-haul fleet. For the new aircraft, the carrier has selected GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines for the Boeing models and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines for the Airbus jets, with a long-term TotalCare agreement in place to cover maintenance and health monitoring for the Rolls-Royce units.
Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief executive of PAL Holdings, Inc., said the investments will let the airline broaden its reach, compete more effectively, and better serve changing passenger needs. He added that as the country’s flag carrier, PAL will be able to play a bigger part in linking people, businesses and communities across continents while supporting tourism, trade and national development. PAL president Richard Nuttall noted the commitments show the airline is building a versatile, future-ready fleet, with the chosen aircraft and engine combinations delivering the right mix of efficiency, reliability and flexibility to support its route network.
The announcement forms part of PAL’s wider overhaul plan, as it moves to strengthen its position in long-haul travel amid rising global demand.
