𝐴 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑎

Philippine Airlines (PAL) marked a major milestone with the arrival of its most awaited aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, in Manila at 4:30 PM today. The delivery makes PAL the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the next-generation widebody aircraft, underscoring the flag carrier’s long-term global growth and fleet modernization strategy.

The aircraft was formally handed over following a delivery ceremony in Toulouse, France. Leading the PAL delegation was PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio Tan III, joined by PAL Board Adviser Kyle Tan, PAL President Richard Nuttall, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez. The aircraft is the first of nine A350-1000s to be delivered to PAL under its fleet expansion program.

Tan expressed the company’s appreciation to Airbus, PAL’s partner of more than four decades, and highlighted the importance of welcoming one of the world’s most advanced widebody aircraft.

“The arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and network growth. It will be a source of Filipino pride and a transformational step for our airline,” Tan said.

Designed primarily for PAL’s transpacific routes, the A350-1000 features a spacious tri-class cabin that can accommodate up to 382 passengers, with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 316 in Economy.

With this acquisition, PAL’s total fleet now stands at 82 aircraft. The A350-1000 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines, each capable of producing up to 97,000 pounds of thrust, delivering improved efficiency, performance, and reliability.

The aircraft also sets new benchmarks in sustainable aviation, offering up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft, and is capable of operating with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).