Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, becoming the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the widebody model as part of a long-term strategy to expand its global network.
The new aircraft is expected to service the airline’s transpacific routes and features a 382-seat tri-class configuration.
The layout includes 42 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy and 316 in economy. The acquisition brings the total fleet of the flag carrier to 82 aircraft.
PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III said the arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment of the company to fleet modernization and network growth. Tan described the move as a transformational step for the airline.
The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines which provide 97,000 pounds of thrust.
The model offers a 25-percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft and is compatible with sustainable aviation fuel.
The fleet expansion follows a period of financial growth for the carrier. The airline reported a net income of $22 million from July to September 2025, representing a 62-percent increase from $13 million in the same period in 2024.
Net income in the first three quarters reached $159 million, or 17 percent higher than in the previous year. Revenue in the third quarter rose 3 percent to $755 million, supported by steady passenger volume of 3.8 million.
The airline operates a mix of Boeing, Airbus and De Havilland aircraft. These planes fly nonstop from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao to 31 domestic destinations and 39 international locations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
Aside from passenger travel, the company continues to provide air cargo and charter services. The airline maintains its position as the primary international carrier of the Philippines while seeking to improve seamless connections across its global routes.
