Philippine Airlines marks 85th year with new flagship plane

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Philippine Airlines' president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III describes the new A350-1000 as the anchor of the flag carrier's long-haul operations, particularly in North America

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) celebrated its 85th anniversary with the unveiling of its newest flagship aircraft on Saturday, January 17.

PAL took delivery of the newest addition to its fleet, an Airbus A350-1000, on December 20, 2025, making the flag carrier the first airline in Southeast Asia and the 10th globally to operate this aircraft.

PAL’s A350-1000 is configured in a three-class layout that can accommodate 382 passengers – 42 for business class, 29 for premium economy, and 316 for economy.

PAL’s president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III described the newest member of the airline’s fleet as the anchor of its long-haul operations, particularly in North America. So far, the newest addition to PAL’s fleet has flown to Bangkok, Hong Kong, and New York.

“For us, this aircraft stands as a powerful symbol of our resurgence. It represents our confidence to compete globally while remaining deeply rooted in who we are as Filipinos,” he said.

Tan also looked back at PAL’s storied 85-year history, from being the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific in 1946 to the rebuilding of its operations when travel was put to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like the Philippine flag, we will continue to stand tall and strong as the national carrier and premier airlines of the Philippines. The Philippines is Philippine Airlines, and Philippine Airlines is the Philippines,” Tan said, quoting his grandfather, tycoon Lucio Tan Sr.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted that the A350-1000’s unveiling highlighted the importance of keeping pace with the aviation industry.

He also vowed that his administration will continue to work towards modernizing the Philippines’ aviation network, touting ongoing projects such as the expansion of the Laguindingan International Airport, the Bohol-Panglao Airport, and the Caticlan Airport. Marcos also encouraged the private sector to work with the government in enhancing the local aviation sector.

“While airlines move people, the government ensures that those pathways remain strong and clear,” Marcos said.

The aircraft unveiled during Saturday’s event is the first of nine A350-1000s that PAL ordered from Airbus in 2023. PAL is expecting five more A350-1000s to arrive in 2026, with deliveries set to continue until 2027. – Rappler.com