Philippine Airlines (PAL), Airbus, and Rolls-Royce have finalized agreements covering nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for five more, and their Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, strengthening the flag carrier’s long-haul expansion plans.
The agreements formalize the memoranda of understanding signed during the Farnborough International Airshow in July, bringing PAL’s total A350-1000 commitment to 18 aircraft.
PAL, the first and only airline in Southeast Asia operating the A350-1000, currently deploys the aircraft on nonstop routes to the East and West Coasts of the United States and Canada. The additional aircraft will allow the airline to expand its premium long-haul services to more destinations.
PAL Holdings Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III said the aircraft has enabled the airline to offer nonstop North American flights with improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
He added that the latest agreements form part of PAL’s preparations for its next decades of global operations as it builds on its 85-year legacy of connecting communities and businesses.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
The A350-1000 features a quieter cabin, larger windows, lower cabin altitude, and higher humidity to provide greater passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
Its Business Class offers 42 Mabuhay Studios suites with full-flat beds, sliding privacy doors, direct aisle access, 20-inch 4K entertainment screens, wireless charging, and complimentary full-flight Wi-Fi.
Premium Economy features spacious reclining seats, leg and footrests, and 13.3-inch 4K screens, while Economy passengers enjoy 32-inch seat pitch, adjustable headrests, and individual entertainment screens. Both cabins also provide USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
Airbus Executive Vice President for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry welcomed PAL’s expanded commitment, describing the A350-1000 as an ideal platform for strengthening the airline’s long-haul network, particularly in the competitive transpacific market.
Reliability That Keeps Journeys On Schedule
Each aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the exclusive engine option for the A350-1000, recognized for reliability and fuel efficiency.
The agreement also includes Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare service program, which provides comprehensive engine maintenance and support to help maximize aircraft availability and operational reliability.
Rolls-Royce Chief Customer Officer Ewen McDonald said the agreement reflects PAL’s continued confidence in the engine’s proven performance as the airline expands its connections between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.
PAL currently operates 86 aircraft, including 65 Airbus planes. The additional next-generation aircraft will support its fleet modernization program, expand travel options, and bring the airline’s signature Filipino hospitality to more international destinations.
