PAL firms up order for nine more Airbus A350-1000s with Rolls-Royce engines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed definitive agreements with Airbus and Rolls-Royce for nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for five more, along with Trent XWB-97 engines, according to Mindanao Times.

The contracts, signed in Manila, formalise memoranda of understanding announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July. The firm order brings the flag carrier's total A350-1000 commitment to 18 aircraft.

PAL is the first and only airline in Southeast Asia operating the A350-1000, which it currently uses on nonstop routes to the East and West Coasts of the United States and to Canada. The airline said the additional planes will extend the aircraft to more of its long-haul network in the future.

PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan III said the aircraft has enabled nonstop flights to North America with better fuel efficiency and an improved passenger experience. He described the agreements as part of the airline's preparation for "the decades ahead."

According to the airline, the A350-1000 cabin is quieter, with larger windows, lower cabin altitude and higher humidity. Business Class features 42 full-flat "Mabuhay Studios" suites with sliding privacy doors, direct aisle access, 20-inch 4K screens, free full-flight Wi-Fi and wireless charging. Premium Economy offers recliners with leg rests and 13.3-inch screens, while Economy seats have a 32-inch pitch and adjustable headrests. All seats in both cabins have personal screens and USB charging.

Airbus sales executive Benoît de Saint-Exupéry called the deal an important milestone in the companies' partnership, describing the A350-1000 as a suitable platform for PAL's long-haul growth, particularly in premium transpacific markets.

The Rolls-Royce agreement includes the TotalCare service programme, which covers engine maintenance and support. Rolls-Royce Chief Customer Officer Ewen McDonald said the order reflects PAL's confidence in the engine's reliability and efficiency.

PAL currently operates 86 aircraft, 65 of which are Airbus planes.