PAL, Airbus seal purchase deal for six aircraft

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalized a purchase agreement with Airbus for the firm order of six A350 XWBs, plus six options, the aircraft maker said on Friday.

This development comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding between the airline and Airbus earlier this year at the Singapore Airshow.

“We are... now defining the final layout for the aircraft,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President and COO of PAL.

“With the A350 we will introduce a whole new level of comfort for long haul flights, with more personal space in all classes, a quieter cabin and the very latest on-board amenities.

"At the same time we will benefit from the A350’s enhanced efficiency and ability to fly non-stop on even our longest sector from New York to Manila, all year round,” Bautista added.

The aircraft will be the flagship of PAL’s future long haul fleet and will be configured with a premium three class layout. The airline will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights to the US, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe.

“The order from Philippine Airlines underscores A350 XWB’s position as the aircraft of choice in the larger twin aisle category,” said, Customers.

“The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class," said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer.

Airbus has recorded 783 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 42 customers worldwide. – VDS, GMA News