Philippine Airlines (PAL | PR) has taken another major step in advancing its long-haul capabilities by formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce. Under this agreement, the Philippine flag carrier will acquire 18 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. These powerplants are designated to drive nine additional Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft that the airline is adding to its growing international fleet. Beyond the initial commitment for the nine twin-engine jets, the newly signed agreement extends to provide powerplant coverage for up to five more aircraft should the carrier exercise its additional purchase rights.
Alongside the engine procurement, Philippine Airlines and Rolls-Royce signed a comprehensive TotalCare service agreement. This long-term arrangement is structured to oversee the operational health and long-term maintenance needs of the entire engine fleet. Together, these twin agreements directly reinforce the flag carrier’s overall fleet modernization strategy. The ongoing initiative aims to establish a highly reliable, fuel-efficient, and technological long-haul operation capable of serving the airline’s key intercontinental flight sectors.
As the exclusive engine option engineered specifically for the Airbus A350-1000, the Trent XWB-97 is widely recognized across the commercial aviation sector for its exceptional fuel efficiency, high dispatch reliability, and strong environmental performance. Executive leadership at PAL Holdings highlighted that this substantial engine investment demonstrates firm confidence in the carrier’s future trajectory. The strategic combination of the Airbus A350-1000 airframe paired with the Trent XWB-97 engine will serve as the backbone of the airline’s flagship transpacific and long-haul network for many years ahead. In addition, the TotalCare engine coverage ensures predictable maintenance planning while helping the airline maximize daily aircraft availability.
Rolls-Royce civil aerospace leadership welcomed the expanded partnership, noting that the Trent XWB-97 has established itself as the manufacturer’s top-selling engine product over the last 18 months due to its proven operational track record. By pairing the physical engine order with dedicated TotalCare operational support, Philippine Airlines is positioning its long-haul operations for enhanced efficiency, cost control, and seamless network growth as its flagship A350-1000 fleet continues to grow.