Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in late 2025, marking the beginning of a significant fleet modernization effort. This update was disclosed by Lucio Tan, chairman of PAL Holdings Inc., during the company’s shareholder meeting on May 30, 2025, held in Manila.
The airline plans to receive a total of nine A350-1000 long-haul aircraft, alongside thirteen A321neo regional jets expected to arrive starting in 2026. Tan revealed that the new wide-body planes will initially serve to increase PAL’s capacity and routes to North America, enhancing the airline’s international footprint.
“Philippine Airlines is preparing for a significant fleet update with the planned delivery of nine A350-1000 long-range aircraft and thirteen A321neo regional jets over the next few years,” Tan said. He also highlighted a comprehensive retrofit program underway for the existing A321-200 fleet to improve operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
The carrier has already committed substantial capital toward this expansion, with pre-delivery payments amounting to PHP20.26 billion (approximately USD 363 million) for the A350-1000s and PHP16.54 billion (USD 297 million) for the Airbus narrowbodies. These investments are part of PAL’s broader strategy to expand its nonstop route network and strengthen partnerships with other airlines globally.
Financially, PAL continues to demonstrate robust performance. The airline posted its 14th consecutive quarterly profit, with a PHP4.33 billion (USD 77.6 million) net gain in the first quarter of 2025—an increase of roughly 20% compared to the same period in 2024.
Tan emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards despite ongoing challenges in the airline industry. “Philippine Airlines delivered solid financial results, expanded its network, and maintained high standards of operational reliability amid global challenges that have continued to impact the airline industry,” he said. “As we look ahead, all of us need to remain mindful of the challenges that we continue to face. Staying competitive will require us to manage our costs carefully and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.”
In a separate announcement, the shareholders’ meeting also confirmed the appointment of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall as PAL’s new president, along with Carlos Luis Fernandez as executive vice president and chief operating officer.
This leadership change signals PAL’s renewed focus on growth and operational excellence as it embarks on its ambitious expansion plan.
