Bilyonaryo Lucio Tan’s Philippine Airlines (PAL) recently concluded a firm order agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of nine A350-1000 long-range aircraft.
With this acquisition, PAL is set to bolster its position as one of Asia’s most modern and youthful operators of widebody aircraft.
The deal, inked during the Paris Air Show, was sealed by Captain Stanley K. Ng, president and COO of PAL, and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and head of International.
“We selected the A350-1000 to give PAL the power to match capacity closely to predicted demand on both the very longest routes to the North American East Coast but also on our prime trunk routes to the West Coast and potentially to Europe as well,” Ng said.
Ng also highlighted
the fuel efficiency of the aircraft, which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to older aircraft of similar size.
The A350-1000 aircraft will be incorporated into PAL’s ultra long haul fleet project and will be deployed for non-stop services from Manila to North America, including destinations on the East Coast of the US and Canada.
These new additions will complement the two A350-900s already in service with the airline.
The A350-1000 will boast a three-class layout, accommodating a total of 380 passengers.
The cabins will include dedicated sections for Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, ensuring an enhanced travel experience for PAL passengers.
PAL Holdings president and COO Lucio C Tan III, who was also present at the signing ceremony, emphasized the airline’s commitment to offering top-notch service and comfort.
“At Philippine Airlines, we are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience.
These state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to give them the convenience of nonstop flights on long-range routes in a comfortable passenger cabin where our cabin crew can do what they do best – extend gracious service and world-class Filipino hospitality,” said the younger Tan.
Scherer hailed the order as a testament to the A350’s industry-leading position as the long-range leader.
“In terms of non-stop flying capability, efficiency, and passenger comfort, it is proven to be best in class. It also brings significant reduction in emissions and an
immediate contribution to industry sustainability goals,” Scherer said.
