Philippine Airlines has announced the delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, registration RP-C3510, on December 20, 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Toulouse, France, to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport on December 19, 2025. This new addition to the airline's fleet is part of its strategic renewal aimed at enhancing international connectivity.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the jet features a seating capacity of 382, with configurations for different passenger classes. The airline plans to introduce the aircraft into revenue service starting December 30, primarily on routes connecting Manila to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York. Currently, there are no domestic flight plans for this model.
Fleet Expansion and Strategic Goals
The delivery aligns with Philippine Airlines' broader fleet modernization plan, which includes refinancing previous A350-1000 aircraft through sale-and-leaseback agreements with BOC Aviation. The airline previously operated two A350-900s, with a peak of six in service before some units were returned amid financial restructuring during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process in 2021.
Today, Philippine Airlines and its regional subsidiary PAL Express operate a diverse fleet of 82 aircraft, including various Airbus and Boeing models, to support its expanding international operations. The arrival of the new aircraft underscores the airline’s focus on customer comfort and international route capacity, poised to bolster passenger numbers and competitiveness.
This milestone in fleet enhancement is expected to assist Philippine Airlines in realizing its growth ambitions, offering modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to travelers and maintaining its role as a key player in Asian and global aviation markets.
