PAL boosts fleet with Airbus A350-1000
Philippine Airlines (PAL) marked its 85th anniversary on Saturday by unveiling one of its biggest fleet upgrades yet: the addition of Airbus A350-1000, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, set to anchor the flag carrier’s transpacific network.
During the event, aviation enthusiasts, business leaders and government officials were given a first look inside the wide-body aircraft, which would primarily serve PAL’s long-haul routes to the United States and Canada.
PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III said the A350-1000 signaled the airline operator’s renewed confidence on the global stage.
“The A350-1000 aircraft stands as a powerful symbol of our resurgence,” Tan said during the unveiling at the Lufthansa Technik Philippines at Villamor Air Base. “It represents our confidence to compete globally, while remaining deeply rooted in who we are as Filipinos.”
Tan also emphasized PAL’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ tourism sector.
“As Philippine Airlines continues its transformation, we remain mindful that our journey is inseparable from that of our country,” he said. “Our role as the flag carrier is not simply commercial. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously.”
President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and senior government officials, such as Sen. JV Ejercito and Palace press officer Claire Castro, attended the celebration.
Earlier, the A350-1000 completed its first flights to Thailand in late 2025 and to New York earlier this year.
After the ceremony, guests toured the A350-1000’s tri-class cabin, which can carry 382 passengers: 42 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy and 316 in Economy.
Business Class features full-flat seats with sliding doors in a 1-2-1 layout, while Premium Economy offers upgraded recliners. Economy Class has been redesigned with a 32-inch seat pitch.
All cabins offer in-flight Wi-Fi, 4k entertainment screens and both wired and wireless charging options.
Beyond passenger comfort, PAL said the aircraft would reduce fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent compared with earlier-generation jets. It is also compatible with sustainable aviation fuel.
The increased cargo capacity is also expected to bolster freight operations.
PAL has ordered nine A350-1000 aircraft. Five are scheduled for delivery in 2026, with the remaining three arriving in 2027.
With the new addition, the airline’s fleet now stands at 82 aircraft.
