Philippine Airlines To Deploy Two Airbus A350-1000s In December 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 8, 2025

The national flag carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines (PAL), is going to receive two state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 long-haul airplane leased from BOC Aviation by the end of 2025, which will be the first step in a fleet-renewal wave that will bring real benefits to travelers, from better comfort to more travel options.

This development arrives at a timely moment: as global travel rebounds, tourists and long-haul flyers alike are likely to appreciate PAL’s upgraded capacity and enhanced passenger experience on key international routes.

What’s behind the deal

BOC Aviation, a major aircraft lessor based in Asia, has signed a purchase-and-leaseback agreement for the two A350-1000s, the first of that type the lessor will deliver. The jets will be powered by modern Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, and the first is scheduled to enter the PAL fleet in December 2025.

Steven Townend, CEO and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, expressed the company’s pleasure in welcoming PAL as a new customer and stressed that this delivery reflects BOC’s commitment to supporting airlines with the most advanced aircraft available.

On its end, PAL’s President, Richard Nuttall, described the aircraft addition as a pivotal step in the carrier’s fleet-modernisation plans. He emphasised that operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the region would allow PAL to offer world-class comfort, reliability and efficiency to its passengers.

What it means for travellers and tourists

Better comfort and cabin experience

The A350-1000s are part of a broader long-haul fleet upgrade that PAL began when it ordered nine such jets under its Ultra Long Haul Fleet programme.

Configured with three classes, Business, Premium Economy and Economy, the aircraft promise a modern, comfortable cabin layout. The larger and more efficient wide-body design of the A350-1000 should allow for more stable, quieter flights with enhanced cabin pressure and humidity compared with older jets, which can significantly improve the long-haul travel experience.

For tourists travelling from Manila (or connecting via Manila) to destinations across Asia, North America, Australia or the Middle East, this means journeys could become more pleasant, less tiring and more appealing.

Expanded global reach and more direct long-haul options

One of the main strategic motivations behind adding the A350-1000 according to PAL and its previous order with Airbus is to enable non-stop long-haul flights, including transpacific services from Manila to North America.

For travellers from Europe, North America or other far-flung regions, this could translate to fewer layovers, shorter total travel times, and possibly more flight options under PAL’s expanding network. For holiday-goers, business travellers or diaspora communities visiting family, that’s a major convenience.

More reliability, efficiency and on-time performance

PAL is doubling down on modernising not just long-haul jets but its overall fleet. Beyond the A350-1000s, the airline recently acquired additional A320s for domestic routes, aimed at improving flight frequency, reliability and connectivity across the Philippines.

This comprehensive approach suggests travellers may benefit from better on-time performance, more route options (both domestic and international) and improved consistency in service quality whether you’re hopping between islands or flying cross-continent.

How this fits PAL’s broader vision and yours as a passenger

PAL’s acquisition of leased A350-1000s via BOC Aviation isn’t just a corporate transaction: it is part of a long-term ambition to elevate the airline’s global footprint, modernise its fleet, and deliver a travel experience on par with leading global carriers.

For passengers and tourists, especially those enduring long flights from Europe, North America or other distant destinations to the Philippines or planning to explore Asia and beyond from Manila, this could mean fewer stopovers, better comfort, shorter journeys and more stability. The improved efficiency and newer aircraft may also translate into lower carbon emissions per passenger, a plus for more environmentally conscious travellers.

What remains to unfold

The two leased A350-1000s represent the start but not the end of PAL’s wide-body renewal. According to previous orders, the airline expects a total of nine A350-1000 jets, with others slated for delivery from 2026 through 2028.

That suggests a future where PAL may further expand non-stop long-haul flights to new destinations, offering more opportunities for international travellers looking to visit the Philippines or Filipinos abroad returning home.

Final thought

The coming of A350-1000s with Philippine Airlines is a significant improvement for people who fly a lot, vacationers, and tourists who are constantly looking for new places to go and it’s just the beginning of a dream trip combining comfort, efficiency and broader global access. Philippine Airlines, by way of the new aircraft, more dependable on-time arrival and departure, and the total fleet makeover, looks ready to give anyone taking the trip for work, pleasure or family rejoining, a better journey.