PAL seeks longhaul edge with A350 XWB

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first A350 XWB aircraft, Airbus’ new family of mid-size widebody longhaul airliners, which it believes will help it better compete in the premium longhaul market.

PAL 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 layout seating 295 passengers in three classes. This includes 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.

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