Philippine Airlines charts global growth via fleet modernization

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine Airlines signed strategic agreements covering up to 34 new widebody aircraft through 2036
• The airline ordered 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and nine additional Airbus A350-1000 jets, each with options for five more aircraft
• Long-term engine and maintenance agreements with GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce are intended to support fleet reliability and network expansion
  
  
  
  

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is accelerating its long-term fleet modernization program after signing a series of aircraft, engine and maintenance agreements at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow that will shape its widebody operations through 2036.

The Philippine flag carrier earlier announced firm orders for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners with options for five additional aircraft and nine more Airbus A350-1000 jets with options for another five. 

Combined, the agreements cover up to 34 widebody aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2036.

Why it matters

The expansion underscores PAL's strategy to strengthen its international network with more fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft while enhancing operational flexibility. 

The airline also finalized engine selections, choosing GE Aerospace's GEnx-1B engines for the Boeing 787-10 fleet and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines for the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The Rolls-Royce package includes a TotalCare agreement covering engine maintenance and health management.

PAL said the Boeing 787-10 aircraft will be delivered from 2031 to 2034, while the additional Airbus A350-1000 jets are scheduled to arrive between 2034 and 2036.

The big picture

“These widebody aircraft and engine investments will enable Philippine Airlines to expand its reach, compete more effectively in key international markets, and serve better the evolving needs of travelers,” PAL Holdings Inc. president and CEO Lucio C. Tan III said in a press statement. 

“They will allow us to play an even greater role as the Philippine flag carrier in connecting people, businesses, and communities across continents while supporting tourism, trade, and national development,” Tan added. 

“The aircraft and engine commitments announced at Farnborough reflect our focus on building a fleet that is both versatile and future-ready,” Philippine Airlines president Richard Nuttall said.

“The combination of the Boeing 787-10, Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and their respective GEnx-1B and Trent XWB-97 engines brings the right balance of efficiency, reliability, and flexibility to support our network,” he added. 

Momentum builds

The latest agreements build on PAL's recent milestones, including the entry into service of two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft from an earlier order of nine, recognition by Cirium as the Asia-Pacific's most on-time airline in 2025, its inaugural international bond offering, and an invitation to join the oneworld alliance in 2026. 

The airline currently operates nonstop flights from Manila and Cebu to 29 domestic and 40 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma