News
Philippine Airlines accepts two more B777-300ERs
December 21st 2017
Over the course of this week, Philippine Airlines (PAL) took delivery of its ninth and tenth B777-300ERs. Read More » “The Boeing aircraft will serve our long-haul operations, a move designed to primarily enhance the passenger travel experience and in-flight service delivery,” said PAL president and COO, Jaime Bautista.
“While we already have eight 777s serving the West Coast, the incoming units will also augment other trans-Pacific flights,” Bautista said, and added the -300ERs range and operational capability “will be at par with other full service carriers”.
PAL’s tenth B777 delivery was a special event. The aircraft is on lease to the airline from Singapore-headquartered Avation. The delivery marked Avation’s first Boeing and wide body delivery. Until now, the lessor only had Airbus, ATR and Fokker aircraft in its portfolio only.
“We're pleased our first twin-aisle delivery is a Boeing 777, the marquee airplane in its class,” said Avation executive chairman, Jeff Chatfield. “We're confident this airplane will complement our regional and single-aisle fleet and help Avation continue to grow as a full-service commercial aircraft lessor,” he added.
In this region, Avation also leases aircraft to Air India, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Mandarin Airlines and Vietjet Air.
PAL configures its -300ERs with 370 seats – 42 in business and 328 in economy class. The aircraft have a range of up to 7,825 nautical miles (nm). PAL flew its latest two fleet additions directly from the Boeing plant in Everett to Vancouver, from where they performed their maiden revenue services to Manila.
“Boeing and PAL have been strong partners for decades and it is a special occasion today as we deliver their 10th 777-300ER,” said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing’s senior vice president for Asia Pacific and India sales. “The 777 continues to outperform by all measures, providing exceptional value to our airline and leasing customers. There is no better testament to this than Philippine Airlines' confidence in its new 777-300 by putting it directly into service with its flight from Vancouver to Manila,” Keskar said.
