Philippine Airlines welcomes second A350-1000 as transpacific expansion ramps up

Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the arrival of its second Airbus A350-1000 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila on May 29, 2026 at 17:18 local time.

The widebody jet is the second of nine A350-1000s on order. The first was delivered in December 2025 and unveiled during a ceremony at Villamor Airbase in Manila on January 18, 2026, making PAL the first airline in Southeast Asia and the 10th worldwide to operate the type. 

The airline, which is celebrating 85 years of operations, remains the only Southeast Asian carrier flying the variant.

PAL plans to deploy both aircraft on its transpacific services between the Philippines and North America, routes that can stretch beyond 14 hours. Five more A350-1000s are expected to arrive later in 2026, with three more following in 2027, bringing the airline’s total fleet to 82 aircraft.

“As demand for international travel continues to grow, this second Airbus A350-1000 will play an important role in enhancing our long-haul operations and elevating the overall passenger experience while supporting the long-term modernization of Philippine Airlines,” said PAL President, Richard Nuttall.

The delivery comes as PAL builds on a period of recovery and transformation. In 2025, aviation analytics firm Cirium ranked Philippine Airlines as the most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region.

The A350-1000 delivers up to 25% better fuel efficiency than previous-generation widebodies and is compatible with sustainable aviation fuel. Its cabin seats 382 passengers across three classes: 42 business class suites with sliding doors, fully flat beds, and 20-inch 4K screens; 24 premium economy seats with leather trim and 38 inches of pitch; and 316 economy seats with 32 inches of pitch, 13.3-inch 4K screens, and Bluetooth connectivity throughout.

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