Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing its widebody fleet capacity as demand continues to rise for its long-haul services between the Philippines and North America.
The airline announced that it received its fourth Airbus A350-1000 on Wednesday evening, September 2, with the aircraft, registered as RP-C3513, arriving from Airbus’ delivery center in Toulouse, France.
PAL said the additional aircraft will help strengthen its operations and improve fuel efficiency on flights to the United States and Canada.
The A350-1000 is designed for ultra-long-haul operations of more than 16,100 kilometers and can deliver fuel and carbon-emission reductions of up to 25 percent compared with previous-generation aircraft, according to PAL.
The airline remains the first and only carrier in Southeast Asia operating the A350-1000. Its aircraft are configured with three passenger classes—business, premium economy, and economy—with a total capacity of 382 passengers.
“The latest addition further strengthens the flag carrier’s long-haul fleet and reinforces its commitment to providing customers with a world-class travel experience,” said PAL.
PAL considers the A350-1000 a key component of its international expansion plans, particularly as it seeks to provide greater connectivity for Filipino travelers to major destinations in North America.
More A350-1000s on order
The airline recently entered into an agreement with Airbus for nine additional A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights covering five more units. Deliveries of those aircraft are scheduled between 2034 and 2036.
Separately, PAL is awaiting five more A350-1000s through 2028 under its original order for nine aircraft placed in 2023.
The carrier is also evaluating a potential purchase of as many as 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, which would provide additional capacity for both medium- and long-haul operations.
To support its expanding widebody fleet, PAL has also ordered Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines for the A350-1000s and GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines for the planned Dreamliner fleet.
“These commitments underscore Philippine Airlines’ confidence in the long-term growth of air travel and its commitment to maintaining one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the region,” said PAL.
A350-1000 serves key North American routes
PAL currently deploys its A350-1000 aircraft on long-haul services to the United States and Canada, including flights to San Francisco, New York, and Toronto.
While primarily intended for international operations, the aircraft can also be assigned to domestic routes when additional capacity is required.
PAL demonstrated this flexibility last month when it operated the A350-1000 between Manila and Davao to accommodate increased passenger demand during the Kadayawan Festival.