Philippine Airlines Gets First A350-1000 for North American Expansion

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, a move that equips the carrier to launch non-stop, ultra-long-haul services from its hub in Manila. The aircraft, registered as RP-C3510, was officially delivered on December 20, 2025, according to data from ch-aviation. This delivery marks a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization and network expansion strategy, particularly for its routes to North America.

The aircraft is the first of a firm order for nine A350-1000s that the airline finalized with Airbus in June 2023. The delivery makes Philippine Airlines the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate this specific aircraft variant. The new fleet is central to PAL's 'Ultra Long Haul Fleet' project, designed to enhance its competitive position on key international routes. Deliveries for the remaining eight aircraft are scheduled to be completed by 2027.

Fleet Modernization and Route Expansion

The introduction of the A350-1000 is a cornerstone of PAL's strategy following its emergence from business restructuring. The order represents the airline's first major aircraft commitment since that period, signaling a focus on growth and operational efficiency. The aircraft will primarily be deployed on non-stop services from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila to destinations on the East Coast of the United States and Canada, such as New York and Toronto.

Lucio C. Tan III, President & Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings Inc., described the aircraft as PAL's “‘Mission Aircraft’ to connect the world and boost the Philippine economy and society.” The A350-1000’s capabilities are critical to this mission, enabling year-round non-stop transpacific and transpolar flights in both directions, which can be challenging for other aircraft types.

According to an Airbus press release, PAL’s A350-1000 is configured in a three-class layout with 380 seats. This configuration is intended to match capacity with predicted demand on its longest routes.

Operational Capability and Market Position

The Airbus A350-1000 is the largest variant in the A350 family, with a stated range of up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers). This capability allows airlines to operate some of the world's longest commercial routes. Furthermore, the A350 family offers significant economic advantages, boasting a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft. This efficiency is crucial for making ultra-long-haul routes financially viable.

Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, highlighted the aircraft's versatility. “We selected the A350-1000 to give PAL the power to match capacity closely to predicted demand on both the very longest routes to the North American East Coast but also on our prime trunk routes to the West Coast and potentially to Europe as well,” Ng stated. This delivery supports the airline’s goal of operating one of the youngest and most modern widebody fleets in Asia.

The new A350-1000 will join two smaller A350-900s already in service with PAL, expanding its next-generation widebody fleet and providing greater operational flexibility across its long-haul network.

What Comes Next

With the first A350-1000 now in its fleet, Philippine Airlines is expected to begin preparations for launching its new non-stop services to the North American East Coast. The airline has not yet announced a specific start date for these routes, but the aircraft's induction is the critical first step. The remaining eight aircraft on order are expected to be delivered progressively through 2027, allowing for a gradual ramp-up of frequencies and potential new destinations. The successful integration of these aircraft will be key to realizing the airline's long-term network ambitions.

Why This Matters

This fleet expansion positions Philippine Airlines to compete more effectively in the growing market for direct travel between Southeast Asia and North America. By leveraging the A350-1000's efficiency and range, PAL can bypass congested hubs, reduce travel times, and offer a superior passenger experience. For the broader industry, it underscores a continuing trend towards using new-generation, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft to sustainably open up ultra-long-haul city pairs.

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