Philippine Airlines orders nine Airbus A350 jets, with rights for five more

Philippine Airlines has placed two major orders for new aircraft, marking a significant step in its strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance long-haul operations. On July 21, the airline finalized an order for nine Airbus A350-1000 widebody jets, securing the right to acquire up to five more. The order was made during the Farnborough Airshow in England, just a day after the airline announced a separate order for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for five additional units. This dual procurement underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its international reach and upgrading its aging fleet. The decision comes as Philippine Airlines continues its recovery following its emergence from U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of 2021. During its restructuring, the airline significantly reduced its debt and streamlined its operations, including its fleet composition. The move to order both Airbus and Boeing widebody aircraft reflects a strategic shift toward modernizing its long-haul capabilities, particularly for routes connecting the Philippines to North America, where demand is driven by the large Filipino diaspora. The airline, which operates under the control of Filipino billionaire Lucio Tan’s business empire, is also aligning itself with global standards by joining the oneworld Alliance. This marks a departure from its previous status as one of the few major Asian airlines not part of a global alliance. The new aircraft will play a key role in supporting this expansion, enabling the airline to offer more frequent and reliable service to key markets such as the United States and Canada. Currently, Philippine Airlines operates Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s on its longest routes, complemented by Airbus A330s and narrow-body jets for shorter international and domestic flights. The recent orders for the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-10s are part of a broader effort to replace older models and improve fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational flexibility. The airline had already placed an earlier order for nine Airbus A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in December 2025. These aircraft are designed for ultra-long-haul routes, such as the Manila-to-North America route, which is a critical component of the airline’s international strategy. In addition to the Airbus order, Philippine Airlines has committed to acquiring 15 Boeing 787-10s, with the option to buy five more. The total value of these combined orders is estimated to exceed $3.4 billion, according to IBA Group, an aviation advisory firm. Deliveries for the Boeing 787s are set to start in 2031, and they will be powered by GE Aerospace GEnx-1 engines. The Boeing order represents the airline’s return to purchasing Boeing aircraft after a gap of over two decades, highlighting its renewed focus on long-haul capacity and efficiency. As the airline moves forward, it is also benefiting from infrastructure developments in the Philippines. Plans for a new airport are progressing, which will further support its ambitions to strengthen global connectivity. With these new aircraft, Philippine Airlines aims to solidify its position as a leading regional carrier while meeting the growing demand for international travel. The combination of Airbus and Boeing widebodies will allow the airline to better serve its core markets and explore new destinations, reinforcing its role in the evolving landscape of Asian air transport.