PAL expands A320 fleet to boost seamless domestic connections

Insider Spotlight

• PAL adds five A320s to strengthen domestic connectivity
• Expanded fleet to boost frequency and hub-to-hub links
• Upgrades support OTP and enhance passenger experience
  
  

Philippine Airlines is ramping up its domestic network with the acquisition of five additional Airbus A320 aircraft, a move aimed squarely at increasing flight frequency and delivering more seamless connections across the country’s major hubs. 

The flag carrier has taken delivery of the first jet, with another arriving before year-end and three more scheduled for 2026.

Why it matters

The fleet expansion directly supports PAL’s strategy to ease inter-island travel bottlenecks and improve access to regional destinations. Each A320, configured with 180 seats, is expected to unlock more route flexibility and help the airline match rising domestic demand.

What they’re saying

“By expanding our A320 fleet, we are providing travelers with more reliable, convenient, and comfortable options,” Rabbi Vincent Ang, president of PAL Express, said in a press release on Dec. 3, 2025. 

Ang emphasized that the right-sized fleet enables the airline to maintain and elevate its On-Time Performance metrics, an area where PAL has recently led Asia-Pacific carriers for three straight months, according to Cirium. 

“Right-sizing our fleet enables PAL to maintain and improve our On-Time Performance scores, ensuring we continue to operate with the highest standards of reliability, safety, and efficiency.”

Driving the strategy

The A320 acquisitions form part of PAL’s broader fleet enhancement program. That includes the introduction of Airbus A350-1000s for long-haul routes, upgrades to existing narrow-body jets, and planned purchases of new A321neo aircraft. 

Together, these investments are designed to strengthen network reliability and enhance the in-flight experience.

Between the lines

The timing aligns with peak travel season, allowing PAL to scale up service on high-demand routes such as Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Legazpi (Daraga), Dumaguete, and Tacloban. 

The expanded fleet supports smoother banked departures and better hub-to-hub connectivity from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.

The bigger picture

The newest A320 brings PAL’s systemwide fleet to 80 aircraft, including 16 A320s dedicated to domestic operations. The move reinforces the carrier’s positioning as the country’s full-service airline offering nationwide and international reach. 

With improved fleet availability, PAL aims to cut delays, expand frequencies, and make inter-island connections faster and more predictable for travelers. —Vanessa B. Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma