Aviation enthusiasts and local travelers are in for a rare treat this August 2026 as Philippine Airlines (PAL | PR) prepares to deploy its premier flagship aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, on select domestic routes connecting Manila (MNL) and Davao City (DVO). Scheduled during the height of the annual Kadayawan Festival, this limited-edition widebody operation provides passengers with a unique opportunity to experience the flag carrier’s most advanced international product on a domestic flight.
The special aircraft deployment coincides with one of the biggest cultural gatherings in the southern Philippines. Celebrated every August in Davao City, the Kadayawan Festival is widely known as the King of Philippine Festivals, honoring the region’s bountiful agricultural harvest, rich indigenous traditions, and the heritage of its diverse tribal communities. The week-long extravaganza draws thousands of local and international visitors to experience vibrant street dancing performances, grand floral float parades, regional agricultural trade fairs, and rich cultural showcases.
Philippine Airlines Vice President for Sales and Distribution Justin Warby highlighted that Kadayawan represents one of the most lively celebrations of Filipino heritage, noting that Davao holds a special significance for travelers across the country. He explained that bringing the airline’s newest flagship jet to Davao for this festive occasion is the carrier’s way of joining the local celebrations while offering passengers a flight experience that matches the excitement of the destination.
| Flight Number (ETD | ETA) | Route | Date |
|---|---|---|
| PR 1813 (0815H | 1005H) PR 1814 (1200H | 1355H) | Manila (MNL) – Davao (DVO) Davao (DVO) – Manila (MNL) | 13 August 2026 (Thu) |
| PR 1805 (1230H | 1420H) PR 1806 (1535H | 1740H) | Manila (MNL) – Davao (DVO) Davao (DVO) – Manila (MNL) | 16 August 2026 (Sun) |
The special A350-1000 domestic service will operate on select flight schedules during the festival week. The flagship aircraft is slated to service flights PR 1813 and PR 1814 on 13 August 2026, followed by flights PR 1805 and PR 1806 on 16 August 2026. Reservations for these scheduled Kadayawan flights are accessible through the official Philippine Airlines website, the airline’s mobile application, customer service hotlines, physical ticket offices, and authorized travel agencies.
Passengers boarding the flagship jet will experience a long-haul cabin environment equipped with modern passenger comforts. The aircraft features a spacious three-class layout accommodating 382 passengers, including 42 full-flat Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 316 Economy Class seats. The cabin design offers an exceptionally quiet inflight environment, generous overhead baggage space, ambient mood lighting, and high-definition 4K screens integrated into the inflight entertainment system.
In regular operations, Philippine Airlines utilizes its long-range Airbus A350-1000 fleet to service its most critical intercontinental direct routes, primarily connecting Manila with long-haul destinations such as New York (JFK) and Toronto (YYZ). Bringing this flagship widebody aircraft to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City allows domestic travelers to enjoy transpacific-level comfort without leaving the country.