Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced a commitment to acquire up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation programme.
The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, covers 15 firm Boeing 787-10 aircraft with options for a further five. Once finalised, it will represent the airline’s largest widebody aircraft order to date.
The new aircraft will support Philippine Airlines’ plans to modernise its long-haul fleet and expand its regional and international network. The 787-10s will operate alongside the airline’s existing fleet of 10 Boeing 777 aircraft, providing additional flexibility across medium- and long-haul routes.
Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, said:This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel. The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals. As Asia's first and longest serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing.
The announcement also marks 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing. The carrier, founded in 1941, celebrated its 85th anniversary earlier this year.
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family and is designed to carry between 300 and 375 passengers. It has a published range of up to 13,890 kilometres (7,500 nautical miles), allowing airlines to operate a range of medium- and long-haul services.
Stephanie Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said:Philippine Airlines' selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years. We're grateful for PAL's trust in Boeing, and our team looks forward to delivering advanced-technology airplanes that deepen connections across the Philippines, Asia and beyond.
The Boeing 787-10 aircraft uses composite materials extensively in its construction and consumes around 25% less fuel than the aircraft it is typically intended to replace. The manufacturer states that the type offers the lowest operating cost per seat within its widebody portfolio.
Philippine Airlines currently serves 29 domestic destinations and 40 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East from its hubs in Manila and Cebu. Earlier this year, the airline also received an invitation to join the oneworld alliance.
