Philippine Airlines has agreed a deal with Airbus for six A350-900s, with a possible six in future. The news came as Philippine Airlines’ President & COO Jaime J. Bautista spoke at the Singapore Airshow where he revealed the airline will configure its new purchases with a three-class premium layout. The A350-900s will operate on Philippine Airlines’ non-stop routes from Manila to New York City and various other destinations on the USA’s west coast. Philippine Airlines is also beginning new routes to Europe and envisages the planes forming a key part of its plans to develop these routes. The airline operator is aided in its ambition thanks to Airbus’ aircraft being able to travel the 8,000 nautical miles to New York from Manila non-stop.

Bautista acknowledged that the aircraft had come out on top after a series of rigorous tests and trials. He also said the A350 provides Philippine Airlines with a modern, technologically advanced aircraft that meets the demanding needs of today’s passengers while tackling the challenges faced by airline operators.  The aircraft gives operators “greatly enhanced” efficiency while providing passengers unrivalled “comfort”. He also noted the A350’s range saying it was key to the operator’s decision.

Airbus President & CEO Fabrice Brégier said the aircraft would offer great advantages to Philippine Airlines, setting “new standards” with extra long “range capability” and highly fuel-efficient new engines from Rolls-Royce. In fact the aircraft achieves 25% less “fuel burn” and “emissions” than previous models while significantly reducing maintenance costs.