Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000. the first of nine A350-1000s they will receive.
PAL is the 10th airline worldwide and the first in Southeast Asia to operate the largest version of the A350.
This delivery marks the first of nine A350-1000s that Philippine Airlines will receive as part of its fleet expansion programme.
The new aircraft will join the airline’s two existing A350-900s already in service to expand its transpacific network to major destinations in North America.
The acquisition brings PAL’s total fleet to 82 aircraft and strengthens the airline’s widebody fleet strategy to grow long-haul capacity while enhancing overall passenger experience and operational reliability.
The brand new aircraft arrived in Manila on 20 December [Image: Phllipine Airlines]
Cabin layout
PAL is configuring its A350-1000s with 382 seats over three classes:
- Business has 42 seats, in a 1-2-1 layout
- Premium Economy has 24 seats, in a 2-4-2 layout
- Economy has 316 seats, in a 3-4-2 layout
The A350-1000 offers a considerable increase in seats over the A350-900s.
The smaller aircraft has 295 seats across three classes.
Mr. Tan, President of PAL Holdings Inc:
“The arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and network growth. It will be a source of Filipino pride and a transformational step for our airline.”
Airbus A350
The A350’s all-new design incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics, delivering outstanding operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines, the A350-1000 offers enhanced efficiency and reliability.
Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation aircraft.
The A350 also features the Airspace cabin, with wide seats, high ceilings and ambient lighting designed to create a relaxing passenger atmosphere.
Like all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
At the end of November 2025, the A350 Family had won nearly 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide.
