PAL on jet-buying spree, orders more A350-1000s

July 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is placing aircraft orders one after the other, setting out to buy another nine of its flagship A350-1000 from aerospace giant Airbus.

PAL yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the procurement of nine A350-1000s, with purchase rights for five more, in yet another boost to its long-range fleet.

The order was placed a day after PAL submitted its initial commitment to buy 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, with purchase rights also for five more, to expand its widebody fleet.

The new Airbus order will also double PAL’s A350-1000 fleet to 18 once completed. PAL signed an order for nine A350-1000s in 2023, and two have arrived since, with the other seven expected before 2028.

PAL deploys the A350-1000 to some of its longest destinations in North America such as New York and Toronto. It plans to do the same for the second batch of A350-1000s, which are set for delivery from 2034 to 2036.

PAL configures the A350-1000 in three classes: business class, premium economy and economy cabin, totaling 382 seats.

The layout includes 42 suites in business class with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a separate premium economy cabin, and 316 seats in economy class, and PAL equipped all of the cabins with in-flight entertainment and internet access.

The A350-1000 is considered as one of the most cost-efficient long-range aircraft at present, as it is able to fly up to 16,700 kilometers with 25 percent less fuel burn.

PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III said the airline takes pride in being the first Southeast Asian carrier with an A350-1000. He trusts the aircraft would define PAL’s competency for international flights.

“As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the A350-1000, PAL has experienced firsthand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability and its passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve,” Tan said.

To ensure its A350-1000 longevity, PAL also signed a memorandum of understanding to buy 18 Trent XWB-97 engines from Rolls-Royce to power up the aircraft.

The airline owned by taipan Lucio Tan also struck a deal with Rolls-Royce for its TotalCare program that covers the health and maintenance of the fleet.