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."
