PAL Welcomes New Airbus Jets to Its Fleet
Philippine Airlines (PAL) recently unveiled its brand new aircraft — the Airbus XWB and Airbus A321neo — as the country’s flag carrier is set to operate longer-range routes to North America, Europe, and the rest of Asia-Pacific.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Mrs. Carmen and PAL Chairman Dr. Lucio Tan, President Rodrigo Duterte, PAL Director Dr. Jaime Bautista, and General Manager for Airbus Asia-Pacific Fabrice Espinosa during the presentation of the scale model the new Airbus
With their acquisition of two of the most advanced commercial aircraft, PAL is eager to achieve their dream of becoming a 5-star global carrier. In a statement by PAL Chairman and CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan, the flag carrier is in the midst of a fleet modernization program and network expansion to improve their services. Both the A321neo and A350 have extra-long range capability, lower fuel burn emissions, and the lowest possible operating costs.
Also read: PAL earns 4-star rating, eyes 5 stars in 2020
The A350 allows PAL to fly nonstop almost halfway around the world, or roughly 14,800 km, the longest route to be flown by a Philippine carrier. Its range and efficiency is the result of the advanced Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines and lightweight structure.
The A350 Business Class seats follow the Thompson Aero’s Vantage XL model
The Business Class cabin has 30 seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement so that every passenger had direct access to the aisle. Each seat is spacious and comfortable, as well as being able to recline to a full-flat bed. The 24 seats on Premium Economy, meanwhile, can recline up to 8 inches and are equipped with additional front pockets and power ports.
PAL flights to the U.S. and Europe will get a major boost, as the A350 will be deployed on the nonstop Manila-New York JFK and Manila-London Heathrow routes by the end of October 2018. Services to other points in North America and/or Europe are expected to follow in the next 12 months.
Business Class seats on the Airbus A321neo are on a 2-2 arrangement
On the other end, the Airbus A321 showcases modern innovations in cabin layout and seat design as well as materials that contribute to eco-friendliness and sustainability. Both aircraft will include in-flight entertainment provided by personal TV screens embedded in cabin seats.
The new planes are now flying nonstop between Manila and Brisbane. The Airbus A321neo will pioneer PAL’s new Manila-Sapporo route in September, marking another historic first for Philippine and Japanese aviation. Sydney, Australia, and other Asia-Pacific destinations are soon to follow.
This is a press release. Minor edits were made prior to publishing.
