Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for nine additional A350-1000 aircraft, along with purchase rights for five more, reinforcing the carrier’s push to grow its long-haul network and modernize its fleet.
The agreement was announced July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The signing brought together Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus’s Commercial Aircraft business, and Benoît de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President of Sales for Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
Building on PAL’s flagship long-haul aircraft
The new order will grow PAL’s A350-1000 fleet, cementing the aircraft’s role as the carrier’s flagship for long-haul flying.
Tan said the A350-1000 will continue shaping the future of the airline’s international operations for years to come, noting that as the first and, for now, only airline in Southeast Asia flying the aircraft, PAL has experienced firsthand its range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. He said the aircraft has helped expand the carrier’s reach across North America while delivering the travel experience customers expect.
PAL currently flies two A350-1000s on key long-haul routes, including nonstop service between Manila and both New York and Toronto. Seven more aircraft from a batch ordered in 2023 are expected to arrive by 2028, ahead of this newest commitment.
De Saint-Exupery said Airbus is proud to see PAL expanding its A350-1000 fleet as the aircraft carries the Philippine flag across the world, calling the agreement an important step in deepening the partnership between the two companies.
He described the A350-1000 as the ideal platform for PAL’s long-haul growth, particularly in competitive transpacific premium markets, and said Airbus looks forward to finalizing the order soon.
What’s on board, and what’s ahead
PAL’s A350-1000 is configured in a three-class layout, with Business Class suites that include privacy doors, a dedicated Premium Economy cabin, and an upgraded Economy Class product, all paired with newer inflight entertainment and connectivity systems.
The aircraft also fits into PAL’s broader sustainability goals. Built with advanced composite materials and modern aerodynamics, the A350-1000 delivers notable reductions in fuel use and carbon emissions compared to older aircraft types.
The purchase rights attached to the deal give PAL flexibility to adjust its fleet plans as future demand and market conditions evolve. This second batch of A350-1000 aircraft is expected to be delivered between 2034 and 2036.