Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to expand its fleet with the acquisition of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, along with purchase rights for five additional units, to bolster its long-haul operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAL Holdings Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio Tan III highlighted that the airline is the first and currently the only operator of the Airbus A350-1000 in Southeast Asia. The aircraft's exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort have enabled PAL to extend its reach across North America, offering a world-class travel experience. The memorandum of agreement with Airbus was signed on July 21, during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, with deliveries scheduled between 2034 and 2036.

Currently, PAL operates two Airbus A350-1000s on major long-haul routes, including nonstop services from Manila to New York and Toronto. An additional seven aircraft from the 2023 order batch are expected to arrive by 2028. The Airbus A350-1000 features advanced composite materials and next-generation aerodynamics, contributing to significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with PAL's sustainability objectives.

In addition to expanding its fleet, PAL has entered into a partnership with Rolls-Royce to support its long-haul growth and fleet modernization. The new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, with plans for up to five more aircraft. An agreement for Rolls-Royce's TotalCare service, which covers the health and maintenance of the fleet, was also established. Tan expressed confidence in the investment, noting that the combination of the Airbus A350-1000 and the Trent XWB-97 engine will continue to define PAL's flagship long-haul operations for years to come.