SINGAPORE, Feb 17 Philippine Airlines (PAL) ordered 6 wide body Airbus jets worth about $1.8 billion at list prices as it seeks to fly non-stop flights to USA destinations, helping it expand its lucrative global network.
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The $1.8 billion deal, announced here yesterday, includes another six purchase options and calls for first delivery in 2018.
Philippine Airlines President Jaime Bautista said the planes will be used for PAL’s long-haul flights to U.S. cities.
“We already have a quite big operations here together with our subsidiary with 52 flights and we hope to continue to be able to grow both in terms of frequency as well as high capacity aircraft and in future maybe other points to serve”.
Earlier this week, Reuters reported PAL’s planned deal with Airbus.
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.
UTC Aerospace Systems has signed a 12-year agreement with Singapore Airlines to provide asset management and fix services for the airline’s fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft.
Airbus has now recorded 777 firm orders for the A350, with major customers including Qatar Airways (80 aircraft), Singapore Airlines (67), Etihad (62), Cathay Pacific (46) and United Airlines (35).
“The A350s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long-haul routes”, Bautista said.
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 NY on a full load.
“We are pleased to welcome Philippine Airlines as the latest airline to select the all-new A350 XWB”, said Fabrice Brégier Airbus President & CEO.
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For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class. “It is one of the most successful airlines in the world, and we are honored to support them with this new agreement”.
