Philippine Airlines Considering Large 75 Aircraft Order to Meet Growing Demand
Philippine Airlines (PR) is considering placing a substantial aircraft order to accommodate an anticipated increase in passenger demand. CEO Stanley Ng revealed to ABS CBN News that the airline is conducting studies and is looking at ordering approximately 75 aircraft. The airlines operates currently mostly Airbus jets.
Plans for Expansion
Ng stated that including current orders, Philippine Airlines is aiming for a total order backlog of about 100 aircraft. Currently, the airline has thirteen A321-200Ns and nine A350-1000s on order. According to assurances from Airbus, the first A321N aircraft are expected to arrive in mid-2026, while the first A350s are set to begin arriving in the second half of 2025.
In addition to these orders, Manila’s Business World reports that Philippine Airlines is in discussions with financial institutions to borrow around USD 500 million. This funding would be used to exercise options to secure three more A350-1000s, which Ng described as a “buffer.” This would bring the total number of aircraft currently on order to 25. “We are talking to the banks right now for the funding,” Ng stated.
Strategic Planning for Future Growth
Ng emphasized the importance of planning ahead and being prepared for future growth. “It’s thinking ahead also,” he said. When asked if the future order would be for 100 aircraft, Ng indicated that, when including pending orders, the total could be around that number.
Current Fleet and Operations
Philippine Airlines operates to 72 airports in 21 countries with a fleet of 80 aircraft, including:
- Fifteen A320-200s
- Twenty-two A321-200s
- Six A321-200Ns
- Two A321-200NXs
- Eleven A330-300s
- Two A350-900s
- Nine Boeing 777-300ERs
- Eleven DHC-8-Q400s
As Philippine Airlines plans for future expansion, its focus on increasing its fleet size reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting growing passenger demand and enhancing its service offerings.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, ABS CBN News, Philippine Airlines