Popular long-haul routes are where the airline seeks to increase capacity.
By choosing the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, Philippine Airlines has advanced its fleet expansion program. The A350-1000s will enable the carrier, which already runs the -900 variant of the aircraft, to enhance capacity to well-traveled locations like those in the US and Canada.
Memorandum of Agreement
In order to purchase nine A350-1000 aircraft, Philippine Airlines and Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The new aircraft will join the carrier’s fleet of two existing A350-900s, which already fly to locations in Australia, Asia, and the US.In addition, the new aircraft will have premium cabins with distinct business class, premium economy, and economy class cabins, similar as the -900s. Christian Scherer, the company’s chief commercial officer, said:
“The A350 offers a step-change in fuel efficiency and an initial substantial contribution to lower emissions, carrying passengers farther and in more luxury. These qualities have led major airlines all around the world to choose the A350. We are eager to collaborate closely with Philippine Airlines, a dependable client, as it advances its long-haul fleet modernization initiative.
increased range
Philippine Airlines would be able undertake year-round non-stop transpacific and transpolar flights thanks to the A350-1000. These would also include some of the world’s longest commercial flights, such those connecting the Philippines with the East Coast of the US and Canada to destinations like New York and Toronto.
These cities are already served by the carrier, but the new aircraft will allow it to increase capacity in response to rising demand.A larger A350 fleet would also allow Philippine Airlines to resume offering a direct flight between the Philippines and Europe. President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, Captain Stanley K. Ng, said,
“The A350-1000 combines increased range capability with the increased capacity we need to meet future demand. It’s the ideal aircraft for PAL to accomplish its expansion goals sustainably while providing the highest standards of onboard comfort for customers.
expanded fleet
Philippine Airlines anticipates a successful 2023 as a result of the sharp increase in travel demand. The carrier’s situation has changed dramatically since the COVID years, when a cash need forced it to halt six of its A350-900 planes.But the airline is currently dealing with a different problem. It is having trouble locating either Airbus A350 or Boeing 777 planes despite its imminent desire to grow its widebody fleet.
The carrier has 21 widebody aircraft in its inventory, including two Airbus A350-900s, ten Airbus A330s, and nine Boeing 777-300ERs, according to ch-aviation.com.However, Philippine Airlines is eager to buy widebody aircraft as soon as possible because travelers are returning in large numbers. The airline’s long-haul fleet expansion will be handled by the present MoU with Airbus, but it is unclear when the airline will be able to acquire these new planes.
