Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its third Airbus A350-1000, registered as RP-C3512, further strengthening its position as the first and only carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the advanced long-haul aircraft . The next-generation wide-body jet arrived in Manila on Wednesday from Airbus' delivery hub in Toulouse, France, and is part of PAL's order for nine A350-1000s placed in 2023.
Aircraft and Cabin Details
The new A350-1000 is configured with 382 seats in a premium tri-class layout: 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 316 Economy Class seats . It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which are known for their exceptional fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions . The A350-1000 incorporates advanced composite materials and next-generation aerodynamics, delivering significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft . The aircraft's all-new design also features a comfortable and spacious Airspace cabin, with wide seats, high ceilings, and ambient lighting designed to create a relaxing atmosphere for passengers.
Route and Deployment Schedule
The aircraft will make its maiden commercial flight on August 5, 2026, on a nonstop Manila to San Francisco route, initially operating three weekly flights every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday . Starting in September, the service will transition to daily operations . The addition of RP-C3512 expands the list of long-haul destinations served by PAL's A350-1000 fleet, joining the aircraft currently serving nonstop flights to New York and Toronto . San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a key transpacific gateway, offering nonstop flights to over 140 destinations around the globe, including Manila . This makes it an ideal destination for PAL's growing long-haul network.
Fleet Growth and Future Strategy
The delivery of the third A350-1000 is a significant milestone in PAL's ongoing fleet modernization and long-haul growth strategy. Six more A350-1000s are scheduled to join the fleet by 2028, as part of the 2023 order . PAL has also expanded its commitment to the A350-1000, signing an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow to purchase nine additional units, with purchase rights for five more . If all options are exercised, the airline's A350-1000 fleet could grow to as many as 23 aircraft . This latest order includes a partnership with Rolls-Royce for 18 Trent XWB-97 engines and a TotalCare maintenance program to support the expanded fleet . The airline has also placed recent orders for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for five more, marking its first order from Boeing in nearly 20 years .
