Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus covering the firm order of six A350-900s, plus six options. The contract firms up a Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier this year during the Singapore Airshow.

The A350 XWB will become the flagship of PAL’s future long haul fleet and will be operated on non-stop flights to the US, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe.

“We are pleased to finalise this important order and are now defining the final layout for the aircraft,” said Jaime J. Bautista, president & COO of Philippine Airlines, adding that “we will benefit from the A350’s enhanced efficiency and ability to fly non-stop on even our longest sector from New York to Manila, all year round.”

“The order from Philippine Airlines underscores A350 XWB’s position as the aircraft of choice in the larger twin aisle category,” said John Leahy, Airbus COO, customers. “The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class. It will be the perfect aircraft for Philippine Airlines to reinforce its position as one of Asia’s leading premium carriers, especially on its longest intercontinental routes.”