Philippine Airlines finalizes order for six Airbus A350 XWBs

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalized a purchase agreement with Airbus covering the firm order of six A350-900s, plus six options.

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalized a purchase agreement with Airbus covering the firm order of six A350-900s, plus six options. The contract firms up a Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier this year during the Singapore Airshow.

The A350 XWB will become the flagship of PALโ€™s future long haul fleet and will be configured with a premium three class layout. The airline will operate the aircraft on nonstop flights to the US, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe.


โ€œWe are pleased to finalize this important order and are now defining the final layout for the aircraft,โ€ said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. โ€œWith the A350 we will introduce a whole new level of comfort for long haul flights, with more personal space in all classes, a quieter cabin and the very latest on-board amenities. At the same time we will benefit from the A350โ€™s enhanced efficiency and ability to fly non-stop on even our longest sector from New York to Manila, all year round.โ€

โ€œThe order from Philippine Airlines underscores A350 XWBโ€™s position as the aircraft of choice in the larger twin aisle category,โ€ said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. โ€œThe A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class. It will be the perfect aircraft for Philippine Airlines to reinforce its position as one of Asiaโ€™s leading premium carriers, especially on its longest intercontinental routes.โ€

The A350 XWB is the newest member of the Airbus widebody family. Featuring the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB brings a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.

To date, Airbus has recorded 783 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 42 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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