Philippine Airlines (PAL) said on Tuesday it will acquire 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft-its first order from the American planemaker in nearly two decades-as the flag carrier moves to renew its widebody fleet and expand long-haul operations.
The flag carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for the fuel-efficient jets, with purchase rights for five more, during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. Deliveries are expected between 2031 and 2034, with the first aircraft arriving in 2031.
Similarly, PAL tapped GE Aerospace to supply the GEnx-1B engines that will power the new fleet, covering the 15 firm orders and the five optional aircraft. ‘This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel,’ said Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings Inc., adding that the 787-10 will strengthen the carrier’s medium- and long-haul fleet while supporting its sustainability goals. The order ends a 19-year gap since PAL last bought Boeing aircraft, and coincides with the 80th year of the airline’s partnership with the manufacturer. PAL remains the only Philippine carrier flying Boeing jets for commercial passenger service.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said the deal deepens a partnership spanning eight decades, with the manufacturer set to deliver ‘advanced-technology airplanes’ connecting the Philippines to Asia and beyond.
Tan said the carrier is confident the GEnx engines will deliver the performance needed as PAL expands its international network.
Passengers on the new jets can expect larger windows, higher cabin humidity, quieter interiors, and the airline’s latest-generation cabin products.
Last month, PAL announced that it will resume operating nonstop flights between Manila and Dubai beginning October 2.
The flag carrier will initially operate four weekly flights between Manila and Dubai, restoring direct air links between the Philippines and one of the Middle East’s most important commercial and travel gateways. PAL plans to progressively increase frequencies back to daily service as operational considerations allow.
The resumption of Dubai flights will strengthen connectivity for overseas Filipinos, business travelers, tourists, and cargo customers traveling between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. Dubai also serves as an important gateway to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The restoration of nonstop services also comes as travel between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates becomes more convenient for many Filipino travelers. Eligible Filipino passport holders may now obtain a visa-on-arrival in the UAE if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States, the European Union/Schengen Area, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.