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PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has finalized agreements with Airbus and Rolls-Royce for nine additional A350-1000 widebody aircraft and their engines, doubling its total commitment for the aircraft type to 18 as part of its long-haul fleet expansion.
In a statement on Thursday, the flag carrier said the definitive agreements cover nine A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for five more, and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
The agreements follow the memoranda of understanding signed by the three companies at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.
The additional aircraft are expected to support PAL’s long-haul network, particularly routes connecting the Philippines with North America.
PAL Chairman and PAL Holdings, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III said the A350-1000 has allowed the airline to operate nonstop flights to North America while improving fuel efficiency.
“We have seen what this aircraft can do. It has allowed us to fly nonstop to North America with better fuel efficiency and a better experience for our passengers,” he said.
“For eight and a half decades, we have connected people, businesses and communities across the Philippines and around the world. As we honor that legacy, we must also prepare for the decades ahead, and today’s agreements are an important part of that preparation,” he added.
PAL is the first and currently the only Southeast Asian airline operating the A350-1000, which it deploys on long-haul routes to the United States and Canada.
The additional nine aircraft are expected to be delivered beginning in 2034, based on the airline’s previously announced fleet expansion schedule.
The A350-1000 is configured with 382 seats across three cabins, including 42 business-class suites with fully reclining beds and privacy doors, 24 premium economy seats, and 316 economy-class seats.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft Executive Vice-President for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the additional aircraft would support PAL’s expansion in long-haul markets, particularly transpacific routes.
“We are proud that PAL is strongly expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet, flying the flag of the Philippines across the world,” he said.
“This agreement marks an important milestone in deepening our partnership with Philippine Airlines. Being the long-range leader, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets,” he added.
Under the agreement with Rolls-Royce, the aircraft will be powered by Trent XWB-97 engines, which are designed specifically for the A350-1000.
The agreement also covers Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare maintenance program, which provides engine maintenance, monitoring, and technical support.
“We are delighted to take this next step with Philippine Airlines and finalize the agreement we announced at Farnborough International Air Show earlier this year,” Rolls-Royce Chief Customer Officer Ewen McDonald said.
“Our partnership goes back many years, and this order highlights Philippine Airline’s continued confidence in the Trent XWB-97’s proven reliability and efficiency. Along with TotalCare support, Philippine Airlines can be confident in its growing A350-1000 fleet as it expands its connections between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world,” he added.
PAL said it currently operates 86 aircraft, including 65 Airbus aircraft, as it continues to modernize its fleet and expand its international operations. — ALB
