Airbus Updates No.4694

 

Philippine Airlines Orders Nine Additional Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft

FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM — July 21, 2026 — Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the acquisition of nine additional A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for five more, reinforcing the Philippine flag carrier's commitment to long-haul growth and fleet modernization.

The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The order will increase PAL's A350-1000 fleet and position the aircraft as the airline's flagship for long-haul operations. “The A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come,” said Lucio C. Tan III. “As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, Philippine Airlines has experienced firsthand the aircraft's exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve.”

PAL currently operates two Airbus A350-1000 on key long-haul routes, includingnonstop flights from Manila to New York and Toronto, and seven more from the batch ordered in 2023 are expected to be delivered by 2028.

“We are proud that PAL is strongly expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet, flying the flag of the Philippines across the world,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “This agreement marks an important milestone in deepening our partnership with Philippine Airlines. Being the long-range leader, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets. We look forward to finalizing this new order soon.”

Configured in a three-class layout, PAL's A350-1000 offers a premium onboard experience featuring Business Class suites with privacy doors, a dedicated Premium Economy cabin, and an enhanced Economy Class product, complemented by the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity systems.

The aircraft also supports PAL's sustainability objectives. The A350-1000 incorporates advanced composite materials and next-generation aerodynamics, delivering significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft.

The purchase rights for five additional aircraft provide PAL with flexibility to support future fleet requirements and market opportunities.

PAL expects this second batch of Airbus A350-1000 orders to be delivered from 2034 to 2036.

Airbus Updates No.4685

 

Philippine Airlines weighs split A350, B787 order - report

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) plans to split an order for widebody aircraft between Boeing and Airbus, according to a Bloomberg report. Unnamed sources told the news agency that the carrier is preparing a firm order for about ten B787s and ten A350s.

The airline reportedly plans to announce the deal at the Farnborough International Airshow in late July 2026. The final composition of the order, however, remains subject to change as the carrier finalises the details.

Commenting on the report, Philippine Airlines' chief operating officer Carlu Fernandez told local outlet InsiderPH: "No final decision here yet. We're still in the process." The OEMs declined to comment to Bloomberg.

Philippine Airlines has not placed a direct Boeing order since 2007, when it ordered six B777-300ERs to replace its B747-400 fleet. The airline last ordered widebody aircraft in 2023, when it signed for nine A350-1000s with options for three additional aircraft.

The future Oneworld member operates a fleet of eighteen A321-200s, six A321-200Ns, two A321-200NX, eleven A330-300s, two A350-1000s, two A350-900s, and ten B777-300ERs. Regional subsidiary PAL Express (2P, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) operates nineteen A320-200s, four A321-200s, and eleven DHC-8-Q400s.

Bond offering

Separately, Philippine Airlines has priced an inaugural USD300 million five-year senior unsecured guaranteed bond carrying a 7.75% coupon, according to a company press release and a regulatory filing by parent PAL Holdings. The notes will be issued through wholly owned subsidiary Primero Agila Limited and are expected to settle on July 16, 2026.

Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines Corporation, which operates as PAL Express, will unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the notes. They will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.

According to the airline, the offering generated orders exceeding USD1.4 billion, representing an oversubscription of approximately 4.5 times.

PAL Holdings president Lucio C. Tan III said the transaction would allow the airline "to strengthen our network and continue to elevate the travel experience for our customers."

Airbus Updates No.4589

Philippine Airlines takes delivery of 1st Airbus A350-1000

On 19 December 2025, Philippine Airlines took delivery of a nice Christmas-present, it's very first A350-1000. The aircraft, RP-C3510 (758) was handed-over during a special ceremony and departed for Manila later in the evening.

Philippine Airlines has ordered a total of nine A350-1000s in May 2023, and will use them to replace its fleet of Boeing B777-300ERs.

The newly delivered Airbus joins a fleet that is made-up of sixteen A320s, 22 A321s, eight A321neos, eleven A330-300s, two A350-900s, ten B777-300ERs, and eleven DHC-8-400s.

Next year, the airline is also said to be making a decision on a new widebody-order to replace its A330s.

Photo by Philippine Airlines.

Airbus Updates No.4557

Discover Airlines to operate the Airbus A350

Earlier this month, Scramble published an article on the future set-up of the Lufthansa Group longhaul-fleet. In it we reported that the Group was still debating if Discover Airlines would operate the Airbus A350, and now they have pulled the trigger and decided that it will.

In total, four A350-900s will join the fleet, while it will say goodbye to its three A330-200s.

According to aero.de, the four A350s that will be transferred to Discover Airlines are:

• D-AIVA (228), to be delivered in 2027
• D-AIVB (236), to be delivered in 2027
• D-AIVC (243), to be delivered in 2028
• D-AIVD (280), to be delivered in 2028

All four of these Airbuses were acquired by Lufthansa in 2021 from Philippine Airlines and have a very different cabin lay-out compared to the A350s that they have ordered themselves.

Discover Airlines is planning to grow the fleet from 30 today to around 40 by 2028. In the coming years it will also expand with additional Airbus A320s, as well as additional A330-300s.

The fleet of today is made-up of sixteen A320s, three A330-200s, and eleven A330-300s. 

Airbus Updates No.4498

 

Philippine Airlines to take first A350-1000s in late 2025

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) is due to take delivery of the first of nine A350-1000s in late 2025, according to Lucio Tan, chairman of PAL Holdings Inc, the carrier's controlling entity.

Speaking at a May 30, 2025, shareholders meeting in Manila, Tan said the aircraft would first be used to increase services to North America. He added that the first of thirteen A321-200Ns are due in 2026.

"Philippine Airlines is preparing for a significant fleet update with the planned delivery of nine A350-1000 long-range aircraft and thirteen A321neo regional jets over the next few years," he said. "PAL is likewise moving forward with a comprehensive retrofit programme for its existing A321-200 fleet."

Shareholders were told that Philippine Airlines had spent PHP20.26 billion pesos (USD363 million) on A350-1000 pre-delivery payments and PHP16.54 billion (USD297 million) on pre-delivery payments for the Airbus narrowbodies. The carrier will use these aircraft to expand its nonstop route network, and the carrier also wants to develop more partnerships with other airlines.

Tan noted that Philippine Airlines had just recorded its 14th consecutive quarterly profit, posting a PHP4.33 billion (USD77.6 million) profit in the first quarter of 2025, up around 20% on the comparable 2024 quarter.

"Philippine Airlines delivered solid financial results, expanded its network, and maintained high standards of operational reliability amid global challenges that have continued to impact the airline industry," the chairman said. "As we look ahead, all of us need to remain mindful of the challenges that we continue to face. Staying competitive will require us to manage our costs carefully and adapt to ever-changing circumstances."

Separately, last week's meeting also formalised the appointment of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall as Philippine Airlines' new president and Carlos Luis Fernandez as executive vice president and COO.

Airbus Updates No.4205

 

Philippines Airlines to start taking A350-1000s in 2025

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has told Manila-based news outlets that it is expecting the delivery of nine A350-1000s to start in 2025. The widebodies will operate some of the longest commercial flights in the world.

"Philippine Airlines Group is optimistic about the long-term growth prospects for the Philippine aviation sector and the national economy," spokesman Cielo Villaluna declared earlier this week. "While we are aware of potential economic headwinds in global markets, we remain focused on progressively growing our route network and fleet to meet market demand and support the tourism industry."

Philippine Airlines committed to taking the long-range Airbus jets in May 2023. The aircraft will support its existing operations to the United States and give it the capacity to consider returning to European markets. Deliveries are staggered through to 2027 and the airline has options to take another three if needed.

In addition to the A350s, Philippine Airlines also has thirteen A321-200Ns on order. Excluding 27 wet-leased aircraft, the carrier's current fleet includes three A320-200s, eighteen A321-200s, six A321-200Ns, two A321-200NXs, eleven A330-300s, two A350-900s, and nine B777-300ERs. Philippine Airlines flies to 72 destinations in 22 countries.

Airbus Updates No.4038

 

Philippine Airlines finalises order for nine Airbus A350-1000s

Le Bourget – Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus for the firm order of nine A350-1000 long range aircraft. The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show by Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, in the presence of Lucio C Tan III, President & Chief Operating Officer, PAL Holdings Inc.

 The A350-1000 has been selected under the Philippine carrier’s Ultra Long Haul Fleet project and will fly on non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada. The new aircraft will join two A350-900s already in service at the airline.

PAL’s A350-1000 fleet will be able to accommodate 380 passengers in a three class layout, with separate cabins for Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, said: “This order will see PAL operating one of the youngest and most modern widebody fleets in Asia. We selected the A350-1000 to give PAL the power to match capacity closely to predicted demand on both the very longest routes to the North American East Coast but also on our prime trunk routes to the West Coast and potentially to Europe as well. At the same time the aircraft will use significantly less fuel than older aircraft of a similar size, which also brings an important reduction in carbon emissions.”

Lucio C. Tan III, President & Chief Operating Officer, PAL Holdings Inc. said: “At Philippine Airlines we are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience. These state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to give them the convenience of nonstop flights on long range routes in a comfortable passenger cabin where our cabin crew can do what they do best – extend gracious service and world-class Filipino hospitality. The A350-1000 is our “Mission Aircraft” to connect the world and boost the Philippine economy and society.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International said: “This  order is another strong endorsement of the A350 as the world’s long range leader. In terms of non-stop flying capability, efficiency and passenger comfort it is proven to be best in class. It also brings significant reduction in emissions and an immediate contribution to industry sustainability goals. And in the larger widebody category, the A350-1000 has set a standard of its own, with the lowest operating costs and emissions for intercontinental service. We thank Philippine Airlines for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and look forward to working with the airline as the A350 becomes the flagship of its widebody fleet."

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today and is capable of flying 9,700 nautical miles or 18,000 kilometres non-stop.

At the end of May 2023, the A350 Family had won 967 firm orders from 54 customers worldwide, with 535 aircraft currently in the fleets of 40 operators, flying primarily on long haul routes.

Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its full service network. In addition to the A350 on long-haul intercontinental routes, PAL flies A330-300s on services to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. The Philippine flag carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single aisle aircraft on its extensive domestic and regional network out of hubs in Manila and Cebu.

Airbus Updates No.4005

 

Philippine Airlines selects A350-1000

On 10 May 2023, Airbus announced that Philippine Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Airbus A350-1000. In total the airline is planning to order nine A350-1000s, which the airline plans to operate, initially, from Manila to destinations in Canada and the United States. Deliveries are expected to start in 2025 and completed in 2027 and will be used to replace the airline's B777-300ERs.

The airline already operates two A350-900s. Originally, the airline had six A350-900s but during the pandemic it decided to return four of these to their lessors, and have now leased them to Lufthansa. Next to the A350s, the airline's fleet consists of thirteen A320s, 21 A321s, eight A321neos, ten A330-300s, nine B777-300ERs, and eleven DHC-8-400s.

Airbus Updates No.2221

Philippine Airlines exits A340 fleet

Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-300 © Tis Meyer (PlanePics.org)

16.07.2019 - 16:44 UTC

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l) has confirmed it has now ended all A340 operations following the disposal of its last remaining A340-300 - RP-C3441 (msn 474) - on Wednesday, July 10.

Although the Filipino carrier had withdrawn the type from regular rotation last year, it retained it to act as a spare in the event of an AOG.

According to PAL, RP-C3441 was ferried from Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l to Orlando Int'l via San Francisco, CA on July 10. Its end-customer was not revealed.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows PAL operated a total of ten A340-300s of which four were direct purchases from Airbus with the remainder ex-Iberia inventory.

PAL's widebody fleet now entails fifteen A330-300s, six A350-900s, and ten B777-300(ER)s.

Airbus Updates No.2114

Philippine Airlines looking at exercising its A350 options

Philippine Airlines Airbus A350-900 © Airbus

21.03.2019 - 16:22 UTC

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l) is considering exercising its A350 order options as it prepares to retire select aircraft in its fleet of ten B777-300(ER)s.

The Filipino carrier's February 2016 order with Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) entailed six firm A350-900s with options for six more. Thus far, it has taken delivery of five aircraft with a sixth, RP-C3508 (msn 303), set to head to Southeast Asia shortly.

“We are studying it, as we are constantly looking at new aircraft. We want to see our fleet grow up to a maximum of 99 aircraft by 2021 with the delivery of new A321 neo,” Vice President (Sales), Ryan T. Uy, told the Business Mirror newspaper.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, two of PAL's ten B777s - RP-C7777 (msn 37709) and RP-C7776 (msn 37712) - are approaching 10 years of age with the other eight currently under 7 years of age.

PAL president, Jaime Bautista, said last year that the carrier was also considering upgauging its options to the A350-1000.

PAL currently uses its A350-900s to serve Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Singapore Changi in Asia as well as London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Toronto Pearson. The B777s are used to serve Vancouver Int'l, San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles Int'l as well as Bangkok and Singapore.

“We are seriously looking at Seattle Tacoma Int'l for North America. Chicago O'Hare is also an option. For Europe, we are seriously looking at Paris CDG or Rome Fiumicino,” Uy added.

PAL is looking at developing its presence in North and Southeast Asia by developing existing routes while growing new ones. It is also looking at opening up service to Delhi Int'l and Mumbai Int'l in India as well as Hangzhou and Chengdu in China where it will boost service to Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Xiamen, and Quanzhou.

Airbus Updates No.1896

Philippine Airlines adds maiden A350-900

Philippine Airlines Airbus A350-900 © Airbus

15 hours ago

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l) has taken delivery of its first A350-900 with RP-C3501 (msn 221) having been ferried from Toulouse Blagnac to Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l on Saturday, July 14.

“Today’s delivery is an important step in the modernisation of our fleet," Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. Bautista said. "This A350-900 aircraft will not only allow us to operate our direct Manila to New York JFK route all year round, but it will also service our other long-haul destinations, helping us compete in the increasingly competitive Asia-Pacific market.”

The aircraft is leased from SMBC Aviation Capital and is the first of six to deliver direct from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac).

Airbus Updates No.1714

Philippine Airlines to add maiden A350ULR in late 1Q18

Illustration of Philippines Airbus A350-900© Airbus

28NOV2017

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l) will take delivery of its first A350-900(ULR) in March next year the carrier's President and CEO Jaime J. Bautista has announced.

According to Business Mirror magazine, Bautista told a press conference last week that of the remaining six aircraft of the type on order from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac), another would arrive during the first half of 2018 followed by two more during the second. Finally, the remaining two A350s will arrive in 2019. 

All are Ultra Long Range variants and will be able to undertake non-stop Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l-New York JFK flights, he said. Though the A350 is being considered for European flights, Bautista said initial priority will be given to the US West Coast market as well as other destinations such as Seattle Tacoma Int'l, Chicago O'Hare, Miami Int'l, and San Diego Int'l which are all being looked at.

It is recalled that Philippine Airlines has options for a further six A350s as per its agreement with Airbus that was finalized last year.

Airbus Updates No.1496

Philippine Airlines finalises order for the A350 XWB

Future flagship of airline’s long haul fleet for services to US and Europe

29 APRIL 2016 PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus covering the firm order of six A350-900s, plus six options. The contract firms up a Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier this year during the Singapore Airshow.

The A350 XWB will become the flagship of PAL’s future long haul fleet and will be configured with a premium three class layout. The airline will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights to the US, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe. 

“We are pleased to finalise this important order and are now defining the final layout for the aircraft,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. “With the A350 we will introduce a whole new level of comfort for long haul flights, with more personal space in all classes, a quieter cabin and the very latest on-board amenities. At the same time we will benefit from the A350’s enhanced efficiency and ability to fly non-stop on even our longest sector from New York to Manila, all year round.”

“The order from Philippine Airlines underscores A350 XWB’s position as the aircraft of choice in the larger twin aisle category,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class. It will be the perfect aircraft for Philippine Airlines to reinforce its position as one of Asia’s leading premium carriers, especially on its longest intercontinental routes.”

The A350 XWB is the newest member of the Airbus widebody family. Featuring the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB brings a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.

To date, Airbus has recorded 783 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 42 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Airbus Updates No.1472

Philippine Airlines selects the A350 XWB for future long haul fleet

Unrivalled efficiency and superior comfort for flights to the US and Europe

17 February 2016 Press Release

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s, with another six purchase options. The news was announced today at the Singapore Airshow by Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines and Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO of Airbus.

Philippine Airlines will configure its A350-900s with a premium three class layout and will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights from Manila to the US west coast and New York, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe. The aircraft will enable the carrier to operate non-stop service on the 8,000 nautical mile New York – Manila route all year round with a full passenger load.

“After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. “With the A350 we will be flying the world‘s most modern airliner, bringing greatly enhanced efficiency and superior passenger comfort. The A350’s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long haul routes.”

“We are pleased to welcome Philippine Airlines as the latest airline to select the all-new A350 XWB,” said Fabrice Brégier Airbus President & CEO. “The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the larger twin aisle category. Passengers flying with Philippine Airlines can look forward to the new levels of comfort offered by the aircraft, with a wider and quieter cabin, and more personal space for all.”

The A350 XWB is world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of the Airbus widebody family. Featuring the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB brings a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.

To date, Airbus has recorded 777 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Airbus Updates No.1219

Philippine Airlines says considering delaying delivery of Airbus orders

BY NEIL JEROME MORALES

MANILA Wed Oct 8, 2014 7:53am BST

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1 OF 2. Philippine Airlines (PAL) planes are seen parked on tarmac in Manila International Airport in Pasay city, metro Manila September 9, 2014.

CREDIT: REUTERS/ROMEO RANOCO

The airline is currently scheduled to take delivery of its 30th Airbus jet in November under a $7 billion (£4.36 billion) deal to buy 44 new A320 and 20 new A330 aircraft signed in 2012, including firm orders and options for more purchases.(Reuters) - Philippine Airlines (PAL) is considering delaying delivery of Airbus (AIR.PA) planes it has on order as it reviews operations after billionaire tycoon Lucio Tan resumed management control of the carrier last month, a senior official said.

It is scheduled to take 10 more aircraft in 2015 and another 10 in 2016. In August, the airline decided not to exercise an option to purchase eight Airbus A321 NEOs.

"We have to discuss with Airbus," PAL general manager Jaime Bautista told reporters at an event in Manila late on Tuesday. "It can be deferred, but of course that entails cost if you defer delivery."

Asia's first airline has decided to indefinitely defer the planned opening of new routes in Europe, instead focusing on profitable routes in North America amid a shortage of aircraft for long-haul flights in its fleet, Bautista said.

The airline would review its current routes as it had a surplus of short- and medium-haul aircraft.

"We really have to check whether the market requires all these airplanes," Bautista said.

PAL is working on a plan to return to profitability after two consecutive years in the red, with a view to potentially attracting a "strategic partner", Bautista said.

"It's more challenging now because this is an airline with more airplanes and there is more competition," he said.

The review comes after the Tan group last month bought out its partner in PAL, diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp (SMC.PS), in a $1.3 billion deal.

PAL currently has codeshare agreements with carriers like Emirates Airline EMIRA.UL, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific (0293.HK).