PAL brings flagship A350-1000 to Davao for Kadayawan Festival

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine Airlines will deploy its flagship Airbus A350-1000 on select Manila-Davao flights during the Kadayawan Festival in August
• The aircraft will operate on Aug. 13 and Aug. 16, allowing domestic travelers to experience PAL's long-haul premium cabin
• The move highlights PAL's push to enhance domestic travel while supporting one of the country's biggest cultural festivals
  
  
  

Philippine Airlines (PAL) will deploy its flagship Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on select Manila-Davao flights during the Kadayawan Festival in August, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the carrier's newest long-haul aircraft on a domestic route. 

The initiative is aimed at supporting one of the Philippines' largest cultural celebrations while showcasing PAL's premium onboard product.

The A350-1000 will operate Flight PR 1813/1814 on Aug. 13 and Flight PR 1805/1806 on Aug. 16 between Manila and Davao. The special deployment coincides with the peak of the Kadayawan Festival, which draws thousands of local and international visitors to Davao City every year.

The big picture

The Airbus A350-1000 is PAL's flagship wide-body aircraft and is configured with 42 full-flat Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 316 Economy seats. The aircraft also features quieter cabins, larger overhead bins, mood lighting, and a 4K inflight entertainment system typically offered on the airline's long-haul international services.

“Kadayawan is one of the most vibrant celebrations of Filipino culture, and Davao holds a special place in the hearts of our kababayans and travelers alike,” Philippine Airlines vice president for Sales and Distribution Justin Warby said in a press statement. 

“Bringing our newest flagship aircraft to Davao for this occasion is our way of joining the festivities in true PAL fashion — giving our passengers a flight experience as memorable as the destination itself,” Warby added. 

Why it matters

The special flights provide domestic passengers access to the airline's latest premium cabin product, which is usually reserved for international long-haul operations. PAL currently deploys the A350-1000 on its Manila-New York and Manila-Toronto routes, making the Davao flights a rare opportunity for local travelers to experience the aircraft without leaving the country.

Kadayawan Festival is held every August in Davao City to celebrate the region's harvest, indigenous heritage, and cultural diversity. The week-long event features street dancing, floral floats, agricultural fairs, and cultural showcases that attract visitors from across the Philippines and overseas. 

Seats for the special flights are now available through the PAL website, mobile app, ticket offices, hotline, and accredited travel agencies. 

Philippine Airlines operates flights to 29 domestic and 40 international destinations and was invited to join the oneworld Alliance in 2026. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma