Philippine Airlines (PAL) will soon add its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to its fleet, as it is set to take delivery of the aircraft in the last quarter of the year.
PAL said its first A350-1000 aircraft is already on the production line at the Airbus Toulouse facility in France, which is a key mark of its modernization program.
An additional eight A350-1000s are slated for production and eventual delivery to the flag carrier from 2026 to 2028.
The aircraft's five main sections, which include the nose, forward fuselage, center fuselage, rear section, and wings, are currently being assembled with allowance for electricity, water, and air systems.
These sections, upon assembly, will be shipped to the final assembly line, where the aircraft will be fitted with advanced onboard systems, ducts, and control cables.
Fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft flies with a range of up to 16,100 kilometers (8,700 miles), offering ultra-long-range connectivity with improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
Airbus follows strict quality checks and testing during the aircraft assembly process to guarantee that each plane meets high standards and specifications, as per PAL.
"We're happy to share with you a glimpse into our very first A350-1000," PAL President Richard Nuttal said.
"We're set to take delivery of the plane in the fourth quarter of 2025. The fleet game-changer will significantly boost PAL's passenger capacity and reinforce our commitment to delivering world-class service."
PAL Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Carlos Luis Fernandez emphasized the strategic importance of the aircraft.
"We selected the A350-1000 because it will provide us with the flexibility to balance demand with capacity. The new-generation aircraft are central to responding to the demands of our growing market, regionally and internationally."
PAL management said the A350-1000 will revolutionize the carrier's transpacific long-haul operations and mark a significant advancement of the company.
Each A350-1000s can accommodate 382 passengers in a tri-class cabin configuration with distinct cabins allotted for Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class travelers.
Currently, the airline operates 79 planes and expects to receive 13 new A321neo regional jets to its fleet next year, in addition to the nine A350-1000s.
The A350-1000 has received high praise from the international airline industry for its performance, leading many airlines to select it for their longest routes.
PAL has joined this trend by opting to utilize this aircraft for its upcoming long-haul flights.
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