Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalized a purchase agreement with aircraft manufacturer Airbus for six A350-900s, to be deployment to US and Europe destinations, plus a provision to exercise six other options.
The contract firms up a memorandum of understanding announced earlier this year during the Singapore Airshow, Airbus said in a statement.
Set for delivery starting two years from now, the A350 XWB will become the flagship of PAL’s future long-haul fleet and will be configured with a premium three class layout. The aircraft will operate nonstop flights to the US, as well as provide services to new destinations in Europe.
“We are pleased to finalize this important order and are now defining the final layout for the aircraft,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista said.
“With the A350 we will introduce a whole new level of comfort for long haul flights, with more personal space in all classes, a quieter cabin and the very latest on-board amenities. At the same time we will benefit from the A350’s enhanced efficiency and ability to fly nonstop on even our longest sector from New York to Manila, all year round,” Bautista added.
The arrival of the six Airbus A350-900s will bring up to 75 the carrier’s total aircraft.
“Once delivery begins in 2018, the aircraft can be deployed on our North American destinations: Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York in the US; and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada,” Bautista earlier said.
Airbus COO John Leahy said, “The order from Philippine Airlines underscores A350 XWB’s position as the aircraft of choice in the larger twin aisle category.”
“The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class. It will be the perfect aircraft for Philippine Airlines to reinforce its position as one of Asia’s leading premium carriers, especially on its longest intercontinental routes,” Leahy added.
The A350 XWB is 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, the A350 XWB brings a 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers, the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.
To date, Airbus has recorded 783 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 42 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
