Touching down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:18 PM on May 29, Philippine Airlines’ newest widebody arrived in Manila as the carrier pressed ahead with a fleet overhaul aimed squarely at its trans-Pacific ambitions. The aircraft is the second Airbus A350-1000 to enter the flag carrier’s service, following the type’s debut delivery in December 2025.
The jet is built for ultra-long-haul flying, with PAL planning to deploy the variant on non-stop routes between the Philippines and North America. Among the selling points the carrier cites are stronger fuel economy, steadier day-to-day reliability, a quieter cabin environment, and a smaller environmental footprint compared with older widebodies.
PAL holds an order for nine of the aircraft, with purchase rights for three more. Configured in three classes, each A350-1000 seats 382 passengers: 42 lie-flat business class suites in a 1-2-1 arrangement, 24 premium economy seats, and 316 in economy. The jets are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and certified to run on up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel.
“As demand for international travel continues to grow, this second Airbus A350-1000 will play an important role in enhancing our long-haul operations and elevating the overall passenger experience while supporting the long-term modernization of Philippine Airlines,” said airline president Richard Nuttall.
Across Southeast Asia, no other operator currently flies the A350-1000, a distinction PAL has held since the variant first joined its fleet. The remaining aircraft on order are scheduled to arrive over the next several years, with deliveries running through 2027 and beyond.
The handover lands during a stretch of operational momentum for the airline, which was named the Asia-Pacific region’s most punctual carrier by aviation analytics firm Cirium for 2025.
