Philippine Airlines to introduce premium economy, reinforcing a full service network airline model

Philippine Airlines plans to introduce a premium economy cabin as it retrofits its A330 fleet and takes delivery of new A350s. PAL will become the eleventh airline in Asia Pacific with a premium economy cabin but only the second airline in Southeast Asia after new adapter Singapore Airlines. There are currently 10 airlines in Asia Pacific offering a premium economy product that includes a different level of service and seat compared to regular economy.

Premium economy is no longer a small niche product but has become relatively common throughout Asia - and globally. PAL already offers a premium economy product on its A321 and A330 fleets but the current product only provides slightly more legroom and is the same seat as regular economy. PAL has decided to introduce a separate premium economy seat on eight of its 15 A330s and on six newly ordered A350-900s.

The new premium economy product will debut on the A330 from 2017 and on the A350-900 from early 2018. PAL may later opt to reconfigure its 777-300ER fleet and seven remaining A330-300s, enabling it to offer a standard product across its medium/long haul network.