Airline Increases Recent Order to Over 60 Airbus Aircraft

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 10 A330-300 widebody aircraft. The latest purchase agreement follows a major order from the airline in August for 44 single aisle A321s and 10 A330s under the carrier’s fleet modernisation programme.

For its latest order the airline has selected the 240 tonne high gross weight version of the A330, offering extra range capability. This will enable the airline to operate the aircraft non-stop from Manila to any destination in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to the Middle East and as far as Honolulu in the US.

“This additional order will complete our current medium-to-long range requirements under our fleet modernisation programme,” said PAL Chairman Lucio Tan and PAL President Ramon S. Ang. “With the latest enhanced versions of the A330 we will be providing our passengers the highest levels of in-flight comfort, while benefitting from the low operating costs offered by these super-efficient aircraft.”

“We are extremely pleased that the A330 has been selected by Philippine Airlines to play a key role in its future fleet,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “This order once again highlights the success of the A330 as the most popular aircraft in its class, offering the lowest operating costs, proven reliability and a great in-flight experience.”

The A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded over 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft, with more than 900 delivered to 120 customers and operators worldwide. In addition to passenger and freighter aircraft, the A330 is also available in VIP and military transport / tanker variants.