PAL ramps up long-haul expansion with third Airbus A350-1000 jet

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine Airlines added its third Airbus A350-1000 to support fleet modernization and long-haul expansion
• The aircraft will begin serving the Manila–San Francisco route on Aug. 5 before shifting to daily operations in September
• The delivery forms part of PAL's broader fleet renewal strategy following additional Airbus and Boeing aircraft commitments
  
  
  

Philippine Airlines is reinforcing its long-haul growth strategy as it invests in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft to expand international capacity while improving operating efficiency and cargo capability. 

Why it matters

Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday welcomed its third Airbus A350-1000, registered RP-C3512, which arrived in Manila from Airbus' delivery center in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will enter commercial service after completing the required regulatory and operational preparations.

By the numbers

The A350-1000 is PAL's flagship aircraft for long-haul routes, featuring the airline's latest Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins. The aircraft also offers improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and larger cargo capacity compared with previous-generation aircraft. PAL said it remains the only airline in Southeast Asia operating the Airbus A350-1000.

What's next

 The aircraft will debut on the Manila–San Francisco route on Aug. 5, initially operating Tuesday, Friday and Sunday flights before transitioning to daily service in September. The deployment is expected to expand access to the airline's newest long-haul product on one of its key North American routes.

The bigger picture

RP-C3512 is the third of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered by PAL in 2023. The delivery comes shortly after the airline announced additional orders for nine more Airbus A350-1000s and 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for five more aircraft of each type, during the Farnborough International Airshow. 

Together, those commitments highlight the carrier's long-term effort to modernize its fleet and strengthen its international network.

PAL, founded in 1941, operates nonstop flights from Manila and Cebu to 29 domestic and 40 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. The airline said it achieved the highest on-time performance among Asia-Pacific carriers in 2025, according to Cirium, and was invited to join the oneworld Alliance in 2026. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma