Philippines Airlines Incorporated or PAL went on a shopping spree for new jets that are long haul during the Singapore Airshow, by placing an order for 6 Airbus planes in a deal worth $1.85 billion with the maker of planes based in Europe.
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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with aircraft manufacturer Airbus for six A350-900s, with the option for a further six.
The deal also covers an option to buy 6 more planes of the same model, the two companies announced on Wednesday, February 17.
Jaime Bautista the President of PAL said the planes would be used for its long-haul, non-stop flights that went from Manila to the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Delivery of the aircraft will start in 2018. Given the higher seating capacity, PAL president and COO Jamie Bautista said the A350s will be both “replacement and growth aircraft”.
PAL plans to replace some of its 254-seat A340s with the new jets, which it expects to equip with roughly 300 seats in a three-class layout.
“We are happy to announce that today we will commit to acquire six A350-900 series which will allow us… to fly non-stop from Manila to NY, allow us to increase our presence in the United States, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and also to Vancouver and Toronto”, Bautista told a news conference.
According to Airbus, passengers flying with PAL can look forward to new levels of comfort offered by the A350’s “wider and quieter cabin, and more personal space”. “With the A350, we will be able to offer superior passenger comfort with spacious cabin while flying non-stop on long-haul routes”. Featuring the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB brings a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.
“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”, Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ president & CEO.
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The A350 XWB is world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of the Airbus widebody family.
