This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional industry data.

Philippine Airlines Becomes First Southeast Asian Operator of the Airbus A350-1000

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a major fleet milestone as the carrier becomes the first operator of the type in Southeast Asia. According to an official press release issued by Airbus on December 22, 2025, the aircraft, registered as RP-C3510, arrived in Manila from Toulouse, France, on December 20.

This delivery represents the first of nine firm orders placed by the Philippine flag carrier in 2023. The new widebody jets are intended to serve as the flagship for PAL’s long-haul network, specifically targeting non-stop transpacific routes to North-America. By integrating the A350-1000, PAL aims to modernize its fleet, replacing older Boeing 777-300ER aircraft while enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.

Strategic Deployment and Route Network

The A350-1000 is the largest variant in the A350 family and is designed to handle ultra-long-haul operations with a range of up to 8,700 nautical miles (16,100 km). According to Airbus and PAL statements, this capability allows the airline to operate non-stop services year-round from Manila to the East Coast of the United States and Canada without payload restrictions.

Key destinations slated for the new fleet include New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Toronto (YYZ). While long-haul service is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, industry reports indicate the aircraft will initially fly regional routes to Bangkok and Singapore for crew familiarization.

“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.”

, Lucio Tan III, President of PAL Holdings

Cabin Configuration and Technical Specifications

Philippine Airlines has opted for a high-density, three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating a total of 382 passengers. The layout is distinct from many other operators of the type, particularly in the economy cabin.

Premium Cabins

The Business Class cabin features 42 private suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. These suites include sliding doors for privacy, fully flat beds, and direct aisle access for every passenger. Following this, the Premium Economy section offers 24 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, providing a 38-inch pitch and integrated calf rests.

Economy Class Density

The Economy Class cabin comprises 316 seats arranged in a 3-4-3 (10-abreast) configuration. This high-density layout utilizes a 32-inch pitch and 16.5-inch seat width, allowing PAL to maximize passenger volume on its high-demand transpacific corridors.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to utilize a 10-abreast configuration in Economy Class places Philippine Airlines among a select group of carriers maximizing the A350’s fuselage width. While this configuration significantly lowers the cost per seat, crucial for profitability on ultra-long-haul sectors, it offers reduced seat width compared to the standard 9-abreast layout found on competitors. We anticipate this will allow PAL to remain price-competitive on routes to the U.S. West Coast, though it presents a comfort trade-off for passengers on flights exceeding 14 hours.

Sustainability and Efficiency

The modernization of PAL’s fleet focuses heavily on environmental performance. The A350-1000 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which Airbus states deliver a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER.

Furthermore, the aircraft is certified to operate with up to a 50% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with the airline’s long-term decarbonization goals. This efficiency is critical for maintaining the viability of ultra-long-haul routes amidst fluctuating global fuel prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new A350-1000 start flying?
While the aircraft arrived in December 2025, it is expected to perform regional familiarization flights before commencing scheduled long-haul service to North America in Q1 2026.

How many A350-1000s has PAL ordered?
Philippine Airlines has placed firm orders for nine A350-1000s, with purchase rights for an additional three. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through 2027.

What is the difference between the A350-900 and the A350-1000?
The A350-1000 is the longer fuselage variant of the A350 family. It seats more passengers (382 in PAL’s configuration) and is optimized for the longest routes in the network, whereas PAL already operates the smaller A350-900.

Sources: Airbus Press Release