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Philippine Airlines (PAL) is on the eve of new era, having taken delivery of its first A350 XWB at a special event in Toulouse, France.

Philippine Airlines has ordered six A350-900s, which will be primarily operated on non-stop services to Europe and North America, giving the airline greater range and flexibility.

Routes 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 8000 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 premium three-class layout, seating 295 passengers in three classes. This including 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.

The aircraft features the award-winning Airspace by Airbus cabin, with more personal space and full connectivity throughout. The cabin is promoted as the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft and features the latest mood lighting and air conditioning systems. Higher humidity levels and a lower cabin altitude all contribute to added wellbeing on board, especially for long-range flights.

“The arrival of the A350 XWB will see PAL offer new levels of comfort on our long haul flights,” said Philippine Airlines president and chief executive, Jaime Bautista.

“At the same time we will benefit from the A350 XWB’s new generation efficiency, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. We believe that the A350 XWB will be a game changer for PAL as we compete with the best in the premium long haul market.”

PAL’s new A350 XWB

The A350 XWB is an all-new family of mid-size widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines which together achieve a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and significantly lower maintenance costs.

At the end of June 2018, Airbus has recorded 882 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever. 182 A350 XWBs have been delivered to 19 airlines worldwide and PAL is the 19th airline to receive them.

Edited by Peter Needham