The Airbus A350-1000 jets for Philippine Airlines will be configured with separate Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins, similar to the current A350-900 fleet.
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Philippine Airlines (PAL) for the purchase of nine A350-1000s, as part of the airline’s Ultra Long Haul Fleet project. The A350-1000s will be operated on non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada, and will join the two A350-900s already in service at the airline, currently flying to destinations in North America, Asia, and Australia.
The A350-1000 will be configured in a premium layout with separate Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins, similar to the current A350-900 fleet. The aircraft offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today and is capable of flying 8,700 nautical miles or 16,100 kilometers non-stop.
With the new A350-1000s, PAL will be able to fly non-stop transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions all year, including some of the longest commercial flights in the world, such as those linking the Philippines with New York and Toronto. Additionally, with an expanded A350 fleet, the airline will once again be able to provide a direct link from the Philippines to Europe.
“The A350-1000 combines greater range capability with the higher capacity we need to serve future demand. It’s the perfect aircraft to enable PAL to meet its expansion plans in a sustainable way, while offering passengers the highest levels of onboard comfort. We are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience, and these state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to do just that as we carry out our mission to connect the world, and grow trade and tourism,” said Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines.
The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. At the end of April 2023, the A350 Family had won 928 firm orders from 54 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever. Some 530 aircraft are currently in the fleets of 40 airlines, flying primarily on long haul routes.
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus said, “Flying passengers farther and in greater comfort, the A350 brings a step-change in fuel efficiency and an immediate significant contribution to reduced emissions. These are the attributes that have made the A350 the choice of leading airlines worldwide. We look forward to working closely with our long-standing customer Philippine Airlines as it moves forward with its long haul fleet modernisation programme.”
Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its full service network. In addition to the A350 on long-haul intercontinental routes, PAL flies A330-300s on services to the Middle East, Australia, and various points in Asia. The Philippine flag carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single aisle aircraft on its extensive domestic and regional network out of hubs in Manila and Cebu.
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The acquisition of the A350-1000s will allow Philippine Airlines to expand its long-haul network, offering passengers more non-stop flights to North America and Europe. The aircraft’s advanced features and high level of fuel efficiency will also enable the airline to operate more sustainably and reduce its carbon footprint. With the delivery of these new aircraft, PAL will be able to offer its passengers a superior travel experience, while furthering its goal of connecting the world and promoting tourism and trade.
