Philippine Airlines to add 13 aircraft, commence at least four new international routes in 2H2018

CAPA - Centre for Aviation, in a report entitled: 'Philippine Airlines: big fleet changes as A321neos, A350-900s arrive', stated (20-Jun-2018) Philippine Airlines faces a momentous but challenging 2H2018 as it takes delivery of 13 aircraft and launches at least four new international routes. New nonstop New York, Mumbai, Delhi and Sapporo services represent the latest phase in a strategic expansion plan that already includes five new nonstop long haul destinations since the beginning of 2017. The carrier will use its first six A321neos, all of which will be delivered in 2018, for a new long haul low density narrowbody operation. The aircraft will be used on existing routes to Australia and new routes to India and Japan. Four A350s are slated to be delivered in 2H2018 and will be used to commence nonstop New York service and potentially right size London service, which is suffering from overcapacity with Boeing 777-300ERs. The carrier is considering commencing Chicago and Seattle services using two A350s slated for delivery in 2019 and is also considering Tel Aviv service with A340 equipment. The airline will receive its second A321neo and first A350-900 in Jul-2018. [more - CAPA Analysis]