Philippine Airlines doubles Airbus A350-1000 order with deal for nine more aircraft

Philippines Airlines (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for nine of its A350-1000 widebody aircraft.

A350-1000 fleet to grow to 18 aircraft

The deal, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, will double the airline’s total orders for the stretched A350 variant to 18 aircraft.

PAL said the three-class A350s would primarily be used to connect its hub in Manila with destinations in the United States. 

The flag carrier has already received two of its existing nine aircraft order – one last December and one in May 2025. It expects a further three deliveries in the coming months. 

How will the cabin be configured on the new A350-1000s?

Airbus is configuring PAL’s A350-1000s with 382 seats across a three-class cabin. 

The layout includes 42 suites in Business Class with doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a Premium Economy cabin and 316 seats in Economy. 

In addition to the A350, PAL flies A330-300s to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. 

The carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional services, and a handful of Boeing 777-300ERs and De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400s. 

Commenting on the expanded Airbus order, Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of parent group PAL Holdings, said: “The A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come.

“As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, Philippine Airlines has experienced firsthand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. 

“It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve.” 

Airbus order follows Boeing 787-10 agreement

PAL spent day one of this year’s Farnborough Airshow signing an order with Boeing.

On Monday, PAL committed to order up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, marking what the carrier said would be the largest widebody aircraft order in its history. 

The agreement covers 15 firm aircraft and purchase rights for five more. It remains subject to finalisation before being added to Boeing’s official order backlog.

The 787-10s will support Philippine Airlines’ fleet modernisation and expansion across medium- and long-haul routes, complementing its existing Boeing 777 fleet.