PAL orders six A350-900 jets from Airbus
Deal worth $3.7B plus option for 6 more
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines ( PAL) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) with Airbus in Singapore for the order of six A350900s jets worth around US$1.8 billion, with option for another six aircraft to service its Manila-US routes as well as existing and new destinations.
Including the option for six more A350-900 jet, the entire purchase order can reach as much at $3.7 billion.
“After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,” according to Jaime J. Bautista, PAL President and COO, who signed the purchase order with Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Fabrice Bregier during the ongoing Singapore Airshow.
To date, Airbus has recorded 777 firm orders for this plane model from 41 customers worldwide, making the A350 one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
PAL will configure its A350-900s with a premium three-class layout and will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights from Manila to the US West Coast and New York, as well as on ser- vices to new destinations in Europe.
Bautista said that the new longrange aircraft ''will really support our mission of becoming a full service fivestar airline in five years.”
The aircraft will enable the carrier to operate non-stop service on the 8,000 nautical mile New York–Manila route all year-round with a full passenger load.
The A350-900, which will have a three- class configuration ( Business Class, Premium Economy and Regular Economy) is capable of flying non-stop from Manila to New York.
PAL plans to deploy the A350 XWB (extra wide-body), which seats more than 300, on new routes to North America and Europe.
“With the A350, we will be flying the world’s most modern airliner, bringing greatly enhanced efficiency and superior passenger comfort,” he explained. “The A350’s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long haul routes.”
PAL is the latest airline to select the all-new A350 XWB, noted Brégier.
“The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the larger twin aisle category. Passengers can look forward to new levels of comfort, with a wider and quieter cabin and more personal space.”
The A350 XWB is world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of the Airbus widebody family.
Featuring the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, it brings a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.
For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.