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The first of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered by Philippine Airlines is already on the production line and set for delivery in the fourth quarter of the year
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PAL said the ‘game-changing A350-1000’ will open a new chapter in the development of its transpacific long-haul operations
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The additional eight A350-1000s are slated for production and eventual delivery to the Philippine flag carrier from 2026 to 2028
The first of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered by Philippine Airlines (PAL) is already on the production line and set for delivery in the fourth quarter of the year.
PAL president Richard Nuttall in a statement said the flag carrier’s first A350-1000 aircraft order is a “fleet game-changer” that will “significantly boost PAL’s passenger capacity and reinforce our commitment to delivering world-class service.”
PAL executive vice president and chief operating officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez said they selected the A350-1000 “because it will provide us with the flexibility to balance demand with capacity.”
“The new-generation aircraft are central to responding to the demands of our growing market, regionally and internationally,” Fernandez added.
At Airbus’ Toulouse facility in France, PAL’s first A350-1000 aircraft’s five main sections, which include the nose, forward fuselage, center fuselage, rear section, and wings, are currently being assembled with allowance for electricity, water, and air systems. These sections, upon assembly, will be shipped to the final assembly line, where the aircraft will be fitted with advanced onboard systems, ducts, and control cables.
PAL said Airbus employs rigorous quality checks and testing as it assembles the planes to make sure that every aircraft meets high standards and specifications. The additional eight A350-1000s are slated for production and eventual delivery to the Philippine flag carrier from 2026 to 2028.
PAL said the A350-1000 will open a new chapter in the development of its transpacific long-haul operations. Fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft flies with a range of up to 16,100 kilometers (8,700 miles), offering ultra-long-range connectivity with improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
Each A350-1000 can accommodate 382 passengers in a tri-class cabin configuration with distinct cabins allotted for business class, premium economy, and economy class travelers.
The flag carrier currently has 79 planes in service. Apart from the nine A350-1000s, PAL expects to receive 13 brand new units of A321neo regional jets starting in 2026.
PAL noted that the global airline community has testified to the performance of the A350-1000, and many international carriers have selected the aircraft to operate the world’s longest routes.
“Philippine Airlines is now included in this brotherhood as it begins the next chapter of long-haul excellence,” it said.
