Philippine Airlines selects the A350 XWB for future long-haul fleet

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s, with another six purchase options.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s, with another six purchase options. The news was announced today at the Singapore Airshow by Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines, and Fabrice Brรฉgier, President & CEO of Airbus.

Philippine Airlines will configure its A350-900s with a premium three class layout and will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights from Manila to the US west coast and New York, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe. The aircraft will enable the carrier to operate non-stop service on the 8,000 nautical mile New York โ€“ Manila route all year round with a full passenger load.

โ€œAfter a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,โ€ said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. โ€œWith the A350 we will be flying the worldโ€˜s most modern airliner, bringing greatly enhanced efficiency and superior passenger comfort. The A350โ€™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.โ€

โ€œWe are pleased to welcome Philippine Airlines as the latest airline to select the all-new A350 XWB,โ€ said Fabrice Brรฉgier Airbus President & CEO. โ€œThe 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. Passengers flying with Philippine Airlines can look forward to the new levels of comfort offered by the aircraft, with a wider and quieter cabin, and more personal space for all.โ€

The A350 XWB is worldโ€™s latest generation airliner and 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 in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.

To date, Airbus has recorded 777 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

About the author

Avatar of Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz has continuously worked in the travel and tourism industry since he was a teenager in Germany (1977).
He founded eTurboNews in 1999 as the first online newsletter for the global travel tourism industry.

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