Philippine Airlines to order more than 50 A321s and A330-300s under fleet modernisation

Philippine Airlines (PAL) placed (28-Aug-2012) a firm order with Airbus covering 34 A321neo, 10 A321neo and 10 A330-300 aircraft, valued at USD7 billion at list prices. The order is the largest aircraft deal in the carrier's history. The first batch of aircraft is being ordered under a major fleet modernisation programme, with deliveries starting in 2013. The A321s will be used on domestic and regional routes while the A330s will be operated on higher demand regional routes and longer range services to the Middle East and Australia. PAL will announce engine selections for all the aircraft at a later date. PAL Chairman Lucio Tan and PAL president Ramon S Ang said the aircraft will "play a key role in revitalising PAL and growing trade and tourism in the country. With these aircraft we will be able to offer more passengers the best the industry has to offer across our Asia-Pacific network. At the same time, we will benefit from the low operating costs associated with new generation aircraft and the reduced impact on the environment." [more - original PR- Philippine Airlines] [more - original PR - Airbus]