Aviation sector competitiveness and long-range capital investments are taking center stage as commercial carriers scale up fleet capacities to secure dominance over high-yield international flight corridors.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalized agreements with Airbus and Rolls-Royce for the acquisition of nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to support its long-haul fleet expansion program.
The agreements, which include purchase rights for five more aircraft and the supply of Trent XWB-97 engines, bring PAL’s total commitment for the A350-1000 to 18 aircraft.
PAL Holdings Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III said the additional aircraft would support the airline’s long-term growth and expand its capacity to serve international destinations.
“We have seen what this aircraft can do. It has allowed us to fly nonstop to North America with better fuel efficiency and a better experience for our passengers,” Tan said.
He said the agreements form part of the airline’s preparations for its next phase of growth as it builds on its 85-year history of connecting the Philippines with the rest of the world.
PAL is currently the first and only airline in Southeast Asia operating the A350-1000, which it uses for nonstop flights to the East and West Coasts of the United States and Canada.
The additional aircraft are expected to extend the aircraft’s deployment to more destinations across the airline’s long-haul network.
The A350-1000 features a quieter cabin, larger windows, lower cabin altitude and higher humidity, designed to improve passenger comfort on long-distance flights.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft Executive Vice President for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the agreement marks an important milestone in the company’s partnership with PAL.
He described the A350-1000 as a long-range aircraft suited to expanding the airline’s international network, particularly in the competitive premium transpacific market.
Each aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which are exclusively designed for the A350-1000.
The agreement also includes Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare service program, which provides engine maintenance and technical support to help ensure aircraft reliability and availability.
Rolls-Royce Chief Customer Officer Ewen McDonald said the order reflects PAL’s continued confidence in the performance and efficiency of the Trent XWB-97 engines.
PAL currently operates 86 aircraft, including 65 Airbus planes. The airline said its fleet modernization program would