Airbus has announced that Philippine Airlines is to purchase nine A350-1000s to operate its non-stop services from Manila to North America.
The aircraft are to be added to the two A350-900s the flag carrier deploys on routes to North America, Australia and elsewhere in Asia.
“The A350-1000 combines greater range capability with the higher capacity we need to serve future demand,” said Captain Stanley K. Ng, president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines, who added that that the range of the A350-1000 would enable the airline to fly non-stop transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions all year.
“Flying passengers farther and in greater comfort, the A350 brings a step-change in fuel efficiency and an immediate significant contribution to reduced emissions," said Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer, who added the manufacturer "look[s] forward to working closely with our long-standing customer Philippine Airlines as it moves forward with its long haul fleet modernisation programme.”
"We are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience, and these state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to do just that as we carry out our mission to connect the world, and grow trade and tourism," said Ng, who described the A350-1000 as “the perfect aircraft to enable PAL to meet its expansion plans in a sustainable way, while offering passengers the highest levels of onboard comfort."