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 … [Read more...] about Philippine Airlines finalises order for six A350-900 XWBs
Jaime J. Bautista
PAL eyes major European expansion with coming A350s
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is planning to expand its European network in the coming years, including the launch of direct flights to Paris and Rome once the carrier takes delivery of six new A350 aircraft from 2018. The carrier recently placed the A350-900 order as part of its long-haul refleeting plan to replace its ageing A340s and is also scheduled to take delivery of two more B777-300ERs this year. PAL president & chief operating officer, Jaime J. Bautista, told media that several … [Read more...] about PAL eyes major European expansion with coming A350s
Philippine Airlines selects A350 XWB for long haul fleet
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s, with another six purchase options. The news was announced today at the Singapore Airshow by Jaime J. Bautista, president & COO of Philippine Airlines and Fabrice Brégier, president & CEO of Airbus, but no delivery dates were given. The carrier will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights from Manila to the US west coast and New York, as well as on services to new … [Read more...] about Philippine Airlines selects A350 XWB for long haul fleet
PAL mulls move to Clark as NAIA congestion losses rise
Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) said its losses reach around US$1,780 for every 30-minute delay in its flights due to the runway congestion at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Jaime J. Bautista, president and chief operating officer of PAL, made the comments in New Zealand during a ceremony marking the inaugural Philippine Airlines four-times weekly flight from Manila to Auckland on 8 December. “Many times we fly around Metro Manila for additional 20 to 30 minutes - we did … [Read more...] about PAL mulls move to Clark as NAIA congestion losses rise
PAL bans lithium-ion batteries as cargo
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has joined other international carriers in banning the shipment of lithium ion batteries due to the potential fire hazards posed by such type of cargo. Aviation experts have blamed lithium batteries for a number of mid-flight fire that resulted to crashes of cargo aircraft in recent years. PAL president and CEO Jaime J. Bautista said: “Safety is the cornerstone of our operations. We mitigate risks as we assure our passengers of our commitment to … [Read more...] about PAL bans lithium-ion batteries as cargo