Philippine Airlines Takes Delivery of First Airbus A350-900

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350 XWB at a special event in Toulouse, France on Saturday.

Philippine Airlines has ordered six A350-900s, which will be primarily operated on non-stop services to Europe and North America. These will include the carrier’s longest route to New York, which the A350-900 can operate non-stop in both directions, all year round. Representing a distance of over 8,000 nautical miles, the 17 hour return journey from New York to Manila previously involved a technical stop in Vancouver.

Philippine Airlines has configured its A350-900s with a premium three-class layout seating 295 passengers with 30 seats that convert to fully flat beds in Business Class, 24 offering extra space in Premium Economy and 241 18-inch wide seats in the main cabin.

The aircraft features the Airspace by Airbus cabin, with more personal space and full connectivity throughout. The cabin is the quietest of any twin aisle aircraft and features the latest mood lighting and air conditioning systems. Higher humidity levels and a lower cabin altitude all contribute to added well-being on board, especially for long range flights.

“The arrival of the A350 XWB will see PAL offer new levels of comfort on our long haul flights,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. “At the same time we will benefit from the A350 XWB’s new generation efficiency, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. We believe that the A350 XWB will be a game changer for PAL as we compete with the best in the premium long haul market.”

See also: Philippine Airlines HD Video Interview with Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO (Jan 2016).

See also: airBaltic Airbus A220-300 HD Video and Podcast Interview with Martin Gauss, CEO.

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: PAL, Philippine Airlines, Philippines, A350, Jaime Bautista.