Saturday, May 16, 2015

Philippine Airlines considers A350, 787 to replace aging fleet

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is considering either Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 aircraft to replace its aging A340 fleet.

“We are in the process of preparing a long-term fleet plan for PAL,” CEO Jaime Bautista said. “We have finalized our domestic and regional [plan], but for long haul we have yet to finalize our plan.”

The Philippine flag carrier currently has both Airbus and Boeing widebody long-haul aircraft in service. It has 15 A330s and six 777s, which operate on Europe, Middle East and US routes.

Although likely set as replacements for several current A340 mid-distance routes—such as Manila to Thailand, Canada and China—both the A350 and 787 could be used on longer haul sectors with a much lower fuel burn.

In 2013, previous PAL owner Ramon Ang mooted a 10- to 20-strong Boeing 777X purchase to replace the A340 fleet, but Bautista is said to favor the 787 over its bigger sibling.

(Jeremy Torr - ATWOnline News)

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