News
PAL accepts maiden A350
July 20th 2018
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the 19th operator of Rolls-Royce XWB-powered long-range airliner. Read More » The aircraft is on lease from SMBC Aviation Capital.
PAL has ordered six A350-900s. The aircraft will be primarily used on nonstop services from Manila and Cebu to Europe and North America, including the carrier’s 8,000nm route to New York, which previously involved a technical stop in Vancouver.
PAL’s A350-900s have 30 business class, 24 premium economy and 241 economy class seats. The aircraft feature the Airspace by Airbus cabin, with more personal space and full connectivity throughout.
“The arrival of the A350 XWB will see PAL offer new levels of comfort on our long haul flights,” said PAL president and COO, Jaime J. Bautista. “At the same time we will benefit from the A350 XWB’s new generation efficiency, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. We believe that the A350 XWB will be a game changer for PAL as we compete with the best in the premium long haul market.”
The airline will deploy the A350 on crew familiarization flights between Manila and Hong Kong, before starting long-haul flights in September.
PAL’s current fleet comprises 27 A320 Family aircraft, 15 A330s, four A340s and ten B777-300ERs.
