As Philippine Airlines (PAL) marks its 85th year of operations, the country’s flag carrier is charting a renewed global course with the unveiling of its newest and most advanced aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, signaling both resurgence and long-term ambition.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, led the anniversary celebration at Lufthansa Technik Philippines in the Macroasia Economic Zone at Villamor Air Base on Saturday, where PAL also launched a new anniversary jingle honoring eight and a half decades of shaping Philippine aviation.
The milestone event positioned PAL as the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the long-range Airbus A350-1000, a next-generation widebody aircraft set to elevate the airline’s transpacific services to the US Mainland and Canada.
PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III described the arrival of the new flagship as a defining moment for both the airline and the country.
“The A350-1000 aircraft stands as a powerful symbol of our resurgence. It represents our confidence to compete globally, while remaining deeply rooted in who we are as Filipinos,” Tan said. “In many ways, its arrival mirrors the Philippines today—resilient, forward-looking, and prepared to engage the world with confidence.”
He underscored that PAL’s transformation goes beyond commercial growth, reaffirming its role as a national institution that connects people, supports livelihoods, and contributes to development in line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
The aircraft features PAL’s iconic “Sunrise” livery, accented with a commemorative “85 Years” decal, reflecting the airline’s heritage alongside its forward-looking aspirations. Five A350-1000 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2026, with three more expected in 2027.
President Marcos toured the state-of-the-art aircraft and reiterated the administration’s commitment to modernizing the country’s aviation sector, noting the importance of a strong and competitive flag carrier in driving tourism, trade, and connectivity.
Configured in a spacious tri-class layout, the A350-1000 accommodates 382 passengers, with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy, and 316 Economy seats. The cabin experience, developed with Lift Aero Design, emphasizes comfort, privacy, and functionality across all classes.
Business Class, branded as Mabuhay Studios, features full-flat suites with sliding doors in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers. Each suite is equipped with a 20-inch 4K entertainment screen, wireless charging, in-seat power outlets, and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi for messaging, browsing, and streaming.
Premium Economy offers wider recliner seats with legrests and footrests, private cocktail tables, multiple storage options, 13.3-inch 4K screens, and full-flight connectivity. Economy Class raises long-haul comfort standards with a 32-inch seat pitch, generous recline, adjustable headrests, device holders, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
Beyond passenger comfort, the A350-1000 sets new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft delivers up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft and is certified to operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Its enhanced cargo capacity also strengthens PAL’s logistics and freight capabilities.
The anniversary celebration also highlighted PAL’s operational achievements, including its recognition as Asia Pacific’s Most On-Time Airline for 2025, reinforcing its focus on reliability and service excellence.
Adding a nostalgic and celebratory note to the occasion was the launch of PAL’s new jingle, performed by Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera—three iconic voices capturing the spirit of 85 years of flight.
With the addition of the A350-1000, PAL’s fleet now stands at 82 aircraft, underscoring the airline’s continued investment in fleet modernization, network expansion, and global competitiveness as it enters its next chapter as the Philippines’ flag carrier.
