Philippine Airlines Considers Exercising Purchase Rights for Three A350-1000s Amid Market Optimism

Philippine Airlines, the flagship carrier based in Manila, is contemplating exercising its purchase rights for three additional A350-1000 aircraft from Airbus. This consideration aligns with the airline’s strategic expansion plans, buoyed by positive market conditions. Stanley Ng, the president of Philippine Airlines, indicated that the decision to add these widebody jets to the fleet would be finalized later this year, as the airline assesses the evolving aviation landscape.

This development comes on the heels of Philippine Airlines announcing its record-breaking financial performance for 2023, with a net income of USD379 million and a passenger count surpassing 14.6 million—a 58% increase compared to the prior year. Such strong results underscore the carrier’s recovery trajectory and its readiness to capitalize on market opportunities.

In May of the previous year, Philippine Airlines had already signaled its intention to bolster its long-haul operations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for nine A350-1000s, slated for delivery between 2025 and 2027. These aircraft are earmarked to support the airline’s direct flights to the United States and potentially reestablish routes to Europe, enhancing its global connectivity and service offerings.

Furthermore, Philippine Airlines’ fleet expansion strategy includes the acquisition of thirteen A321-200Ns, expected between 2026 and 2029, as outlined in the company’s annual report. This move indicates a broad-based commitment to modernizing its fleet, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

The current fleet of Philippine Airlines, as recorded in the ch-aviation fleets module, consists of 52 in-house aircraft, featuring a mix of Airbus and Boeing models tailored to a variety of route profiles, from short-haul regional to long-haul international flights. The airline, along with its subsidiary PAL Express, operates an extensive network, serving 73 destinations across 21 countries, highlighting its significant footprint in the global aviation market.

Philippine Airlines’ consideration to exercise its purchase rights for the A350-1000s reflects its strategic foresight and confidence in the continued growth of the airline, positioning it to leverage emerging opportunities in the international aviation sector.