Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for the acquisition of up to 20 Boeing B787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, including a firm commitment for 15 jets with options for 5 more, marking a significant milestone in the flag carrier’s long-term fleet modernization and expansion strategy.
The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope, and Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen.
Once finalized, the order will strengthen PAL’s medium- and long-haul operations, with deliveries expected between 2031 and 2034. The first Boeing B787-10 is scheduled to enter the airline’s fleet in 2031.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel. The Boeing B787-10 will strengthen our medium and longhaul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals. As Asia’s first and longest serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing,” according to Lucio C. Tan III.
The Boeing B787-10 will complement PAL’s existing fleet of 10 Boeing B777 aircraft, providing greater flexibility across its international network while meeting growing passenger demand. The largest member of the Dreamliner family can accommodate between 300 and 375 passengers and fly up to 13,890 kilometers (7,500 nautical miles).
As part of PAL’s broader fleet renewal program, the B787-10 will help improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Built with advanced composite materials, next-generation aerodynamics, and fuel-efficient engines, the aircraft consumes up to 25% less fuel and produces lower carbon emissions than the airplanes it typically replaces, while also offering the lowest operating cost per seat among widebody aircraft.
Passengers can also expect an upgraded onboard experience through larger dimmable windows, higher cabin humidity, improved air quality, quieter cabins, reduced turbulence technology, and PAL’s latest-generation cabin products.
“Philippine Airlines’ selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years. We’re grateful for PAL’s trust in Boeing, and our team looks forward to delivering advanced-technology airplanes that deepen connections across the Philippines, Asia and beyond,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The agreement represents Philippine Airlines’ first Boeing aircraft order since 2007 and reinforces the carrier’s long-standing relationship with the American aircraft manufacturer. PAL also remains the only Philippine airline operating Boeing aircraft for commercial passenger services.
Boeing also highlighted the Philippines’ role in the Dreamliner supply chain. Key suppliers including Moog, Rockwell Collins, and JAMCO operate production facilities in the country, manufacturing components such as interior panels, flight control systems, and hydraulic systems for the B787 program, supporting local employment and technology transfer.