Philippine Airlines selects A350 for long-haul future
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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has selected the Airbus A350 aircraft as the future of its long-haul fleet.
In a deal signed at the Singapore Airshow, the national carrier agreed to acquire six A350-900 aircraft, with options for a further six. The agreement is worth up to US$3.7 billion at current list prices, if all the options are taken up.
The agreement marks a big win for Airbus, as PAL had been weighing up whether to select the A350 or the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for its long-haul expansion.
“After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,” said Jaime J. Bautista, PAL’s president & chief operating officer.
“With the A350 we will be flying the world’s most modern airliner, bringing greatly enhanced efficiency and superior passenger comfort. The A350’s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long-haul routes.”
PAL will configure its A350-900s with a three-class layout and will operate the aircraft on its routes from Manila to Europe and the US, including New York. The airline currently operates its Manila-New York service via Vancouver, but the A350 will enable it to fly to non-stop to the Big Apple.
“The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the larger twin-aisle category,” Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ president & CEO. “Passengers flying with Philippine Airlines can look forward to the new levels of comfort offered by the aircraft, with a wider and quieter cabin, and more personal space for all.”
PAL’s A350s are expected to be delivered from 2018 onwards, replacing the airline’s old A340s which will be retired. The airline also operates six B777-300ER long-haul aircraft, with a further two still to be delivered.
Airbus has now recorded 777 firm orders for the A350, with major customers including Qatar Airways (80 aircraft), Singapore Airlines (67), Etihad (62), Cathay Pacific (46) and United Airlines (35).
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