Philippine Airlines (PAL) said Wednesday it took delivery of the first of five additional Airbus A320 aircraft to boost the flag carrier’s domestic route network.
The new A320, configured to carry 180 passengers, will enable PAL to increase flight frequency and provide more seamless connections across the country.
The airline will add a second A320 before the end of 2025, with three more joining the fleet in 2026. The expansion increases PAL’s systemwide fleet to 80 aircraft, including 16 A320s deployed on domestic routes.
“By expanding our A320 fleet, we are providing travelers with more reliable, convenient and comfortable options,” said Rabbi Vincent Ang, president of PAL Express.
The fleet expansion is part of PAL’s broader enhancement initiatives, which include modernization of long-haul routes with Airbus A350-1000s, upgrades to existing narrow-body aircraft and plans to acquire new A321neo jets.
Ang said that “right-sizing our fleet enables PAL to maintain and improve our on-time performance scores, ensuring we continue to operate with the highest standards of reliability, safety and efficiency.”
PAL has been recognized by Cirium as the leading airline for on-time performance among Asia-Pacific carriers for three consecutive months, from August to October this year.
In time for the peak season, PAL has increased flight frequencies on key routes including Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Legazpi (Daraga), Dumaguete and Tacloban, to strengthen domestic connectivity.
PAL operates scheduled nonstop flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao to 31 destinations in the Philippines and 39 destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
