Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of
nine A350-1000s.
Under the Philippine carrier’s Ultra Long Haul
Fleet project, the A350-1000 will be operated on non-stop services
between Manila and North America, including to the East Coast of the
USA and Canada.
The new aircraft will join two A350-900s
already in service at the airline and currently flying to
destinations in North America, Asia and Australia.
As with the
A350-900, PAL’s A350-1000s will be configured in a premium
layout with separate Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins.
Capable of flying 16,100 km non-stop,
the A350-1000 will enable PAL to fly non-stop
transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions year-round,
including some of the longest commercial services in the
world, linking Philippines with New York and
Toronto.
With an expanded A350 fleet, PAL also have the ability
to once again provide an eagerly anticipated direct link between Philippines
and Europe.
“The A350-1000 combines greater range capability with the
higher capacity we need to serve future demand,” said Captain
Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine
Airlines. “It’s the perfect
aircraft to enable PAL to meet its expansion plans in a
sustainable way, while offering passengers the highest levels of
onboard comfort. We are committed to offering our passengers the
best possible travel experience, and these state-of-the-art
aircraft will enable us to do just that as we carry out our
mission to connect the world, and grow trade and tourism.”
At the end of April 2023, the A350 Family had won
928 firm orders from 54 customers worldwide, making it one of the
most successful wide-body aircraft ever. Some 530 aircraft are
currently in the fleets of 40 airlines, flying primarily on long
haul routes.
“Flying
passengers farther and in greater comfort, the A350 brings a
step-change in fuel efficiency and an immediate significant
contribution to reduced emissions,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus
Chief Commercial Officer. “These are the attributes that
have made the A350 the choice of leading airlines worldwide. We
look forward to working closely with our long-standing customer
Philippine Airlines as it moves forward with its long haul fleet modernisation programme.”
