Philippine Airlines Expands A350-1000 Commitment, Passes On A330neo

Guy Ferneyhough July 21, 2026

Philippine Airlines and Airbus officials unveil the A350-1000 commitment at the Farnborough Airshow.

Credit: Henry Wagner/Aviation-Images

FARNBOROUGH, England—Philippine Airlines has followed up its indicative order for Boeing 787-10s on the first day of the Farnborough Airshow with an expanded commitment for the Airbus A350-1000.

The airline, which took delivery of its first A350-1000 in December 2025, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for nine more of the variant on July 21, plus purchase rights for a further five. Deliveries are tentatively scheduled for 2032-34.

To complement the A350-1000 order, Philippine Airlines signed an MOU with Rolls-Royce for 18 Trent XWB-97 engines. The deal includes engines for the optional aircraft and a TotalCare maintenance agreement.

Taken together, the 787s and A350s are intended to cover the flag-carrier’s future medium- and long-haul requirements. Longer term, they will replace Philippine Airlines’ A330 and 777 fleets.

Asked if an order for the A330neo could follow, Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall said management assessed the aircraft, but decided they had better options.

“We did look at the A330neo, but essentially, we believe we can carry more passengers,” Nuttall told Aviation Week. “We believe we've got more demand—the country's got a population of 115 million. Once you assume that you can carry more demand and more cargo, then the larger aircraft [makes more economic sense].”

Cargo was also cited as a factor in Philippine Airlines’ Boeing commitment, revealed on July 20. That MOU covers 15 787-10s and includes purchase rights for a further five.