• Philippine Airlines becomes the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000.
• The aircraft is the first of nine units ordered, lifting PAL’s fleet to 82 as it strengthens long-haul routes.
• The jet cuts fuel burn and emissions by up to 25 percent and is sustainable aviation fuel-ready.
Taipan Lucio Tan’s Philippine Airlines hit a major fleet milestone as its first Airbus A350-1000 landed in Manila on Saturday, making the flag carrier the first in Southeast Asia to operate the next-generation widebody aircraft.
The arrival marks a decisive step in PAL’s long-haul strategy, strengthening transpacific routes while accelerating fleet modernization.
“The arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and network growth. It will be a source of Filipino pride and a transformational step for our airline,” said Lucio Tan III, president of PAL Holdings Inc.
PAL leaders present for milestone event
Tan led the airline’s executive team in taking delivery following a ceremony in Toulouse, France, joined by board adviser Kyle Tan, president Richard Nuttall, and executive vice president and chief operating officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez.
The aircraft is the first of nine A350-1000s ordered under PAL’s fleet expansion program, lifting its total fleet to 82 aircraft.
Inside PAL’s new flagship
Configured in a tri-class layout, the jet can carry up to 382 passengers, including 42 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 316 in economy.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines producing up to 97,000 pounds of thrust, the A350-1000 delivers higher efficiency and operational reliability.
The aircraft also advances PAL’s sustainability goals, offering up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions and the capability to operate on sustainable aviation fuel.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
