Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the acquisition of nine (09) additional A350-1000 widebody aircraft, with purchase rights for five (05) more, reinforcing 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., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
Once finalized, the agreement will double PAL’s firm A350-1000 orders to 18 aircraft, including the first two already delivered this year. Seven more aircraft from the airline’s 2023 order are scheduled for delivery by 2028, while the newly announced batch is expected to arrive between 2034 and 2036. The additional aircraft will strengthen PAL’s long-haul network, particularly on nonstop services between Manila and destinations in North America, including cities on the U.S. East Coast and Canada.
“The A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come. As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, Philippine Airlines has experienced firsthand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve,” according to Lucio C. Tan III.
PAL currently operates two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on key long-haul routes, including nonstop flights from Manila to New York and Toronto. Configured in a three-class layout accommodating 382 passengers, the airline’s A350-1000 features 42 Business Class suites with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 316 Economy Class seats, all equipped with the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity systems.
“We are proud that PAL is strongly expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet, flying the flag of the Philippines across the world. This agreement marks an important milestone in deepening our partnership with Philippine Airlines. Being the long-range leader, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets. We look forward to finalizing this new order soon,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
The A350-1000 is Airbus’ flagship long-range widebody aircraft, capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers) nonstop. Built with advanced composite materials, state-of-the-art aerodynamics, and latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft, while its Airspace cabin enhances passenger comfort. The purchase rights for five additional A350-1000s also provide PAL with flexibility to support future market demand and fleet requirements. At the end of June 2026, the A350 Family had accumulated 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the world’s most successful widebody aircraft programs.