Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding for six Airbus A350-900s, with the option for six more.
The deal was announced at the Singapore Airshow and PAL intends to use the aircraft for services from Manila to the US West coast and as far away as New York. Airbus says the A350 XWB’s aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines means the aircraft reduces fuel burn and emissions by 25 per cent with significantly lower maintenance costs.
Airbus president and chief executive officer, Fabrice Bregier says: “We are pleased to welcome Philippine Airlines as the latest airlines to select the all-new A350 XWB. The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the larger twin aisle category.”
PAL president and chief operating officer, Jaime Bautista says: “After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements … The A350’s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long haul routes.”
At the Singapore Airshow, Airbus announced that one third of the more than 750 A350 XWB orders were from the Asia Pacific region. From the region, it had received A350 orders from AirAsia X, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.