Philippine Airlines (PAL) has committed to acquire up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and selected GE Aerospace’s GEnx-1B engines to power the new fleet, marking a significant step in the airline’s long-haul expansion and fleet modernisation strategy.
The agreement includes a firm commitment for 15 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with options to purchase an additional five jets. The aircraft will be powered by GE Aerospace’s GEnx-1B engines, with purchase rights covering the optional aircraft as well.
Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the combined aircraft and engine agreements reinforce Philippine Airlines’ long-standing partnerships with both Boeing and GE Aerospace. The airline is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year while marking 80 years of collaboration with Boeing and more than five decades of partnership with GE Aerospace.
Lucio C. Tan III, President and COO of PAL Holdings, said the investment reflects the airline’s confidence in its future growth and the continued recovery of global air travel. He said the Boeing 787-10 fleet will strengthen the carrier’s long-haul operations, enhance the passenger experience, and support its long-term sustainability goals.
The Boeing 787-10 will complement Philippine Airlines’ existing fleet of 10 Boeing 777 aircraft, providing greater flexibility across its medium- and long-haul network. The aircraft delivers approximately 25% lower fuel consumption than the aircraft it typically replaces, helping reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the agreement represents another milestone in the decades-long relationship between Boeing and Philippine Airlines. She added that the advanced-technology aircraft will support the airline’s efforts to strengthen connectivity across the Philippines, Asia and international markets.
GE Aerospace said its GEnx-1B engine is one of the world’s most widely used powerplants for the Boeing 787 family, recognised for its fuel efficiency, reliability and long on-wing performance. The engine has accumulated more than 50 million flight hours since entering service while maintaining a dispatch reliability rate of 99.98%.
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The engine selection extends Philippine Airlines‘ long-standing relationship with GE Aerospace. The carrier already operates GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with CFM56 engines.
As the largest variant of the Dreamliner family, the Boeing 787-10 accommodates between 300 and 375 passengers and offers a range of up to 13,890 kilometres (7,500 nautical miles). The aircraft also features larger dimmable windows, higher cabin humidity and advanced turbulence-reduction technology designed to improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
The new aircraft and engines are expected to enhance Philippine Airlines’ operational efficiency, support international network growth and advance the carrier’s long-term fleet modernisation and sustainability objectives.
