Philippine Airlines Places Major Airbus Order

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has placed a firm order for 34 current-generation Airbus A321s, 10 A321neos and 10 A330-300s, Airbus announced today. A plan by the flag carrier to embark on a fleet renewal program calls for deliveries to start next year.

PAL plans to use the A321s to boost its offerings on domestic and regional routes, and to support alliances with its partner airlines. It expects to deploy the A330s on higher-demand regional routes and long-range services to the Middle East and Australia. PAL hasn’t yet completed negotiations over engine choices.

The airline now flies three Boeing 777-300ERs, five 747-400s, four A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320s and four A319s.