Philippine Airlines Orders Nine Additional A350-1000s from Airbus
Philippine Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding for nine Airbus A350-1000s during the Farnborough Air Show on July 21, 2026. This order will increase the total number of such aircraft for the airline to 18, two of which have already been delivered this year.
Memorandum of Understanding for Nine A350-1000s
Philippine Airlines and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding for nine long-haul A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement was announced at the Farnborough Air Show by Lucio C. Tan III, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, along with Lars Wagner, General Manager of the Commercial Aircraft branch at Airbus, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
Once finalized, this new order will double the total number of A350-1000 orders for the airline to 18 aircraft. The first two were delivered in 2026.
Development of the Transpacific Long-Haul Network
The A350-1000 is designated as the new flagship aircraft of Philippine Airlines. It will enable the airline to further develop its long-haul network, primarily connecting Manila to destinations in North America, including non-stop services in both directions to cities on the East Coast of the United States and Canada.
Philippine Airlines has specified a three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating 382 passengers. The layout includes 42 Business Class suites with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a separate and spacious Premium Class cabin, and 316 Economy Class seats. All cabins are equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.
Philippine Airlines, the Only Southeast Asian Carrier with This Type
Philippine Airlines is currently the only and first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000. According to Lucio C. Tan III, 'the A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come.' He emphasizes that the aircraft offers 'exceptional range, energy efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort,' which have 'significantly expanded our presence in North America.'
