On seventeenth January, 2026, Asia’s oldest airline, Philippine Airways (PAL), celebrates its eighty fifth Anniversary. The President of the Philippines, H.E. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., unveiled PAL’s first Airbus A350-1000 in the course of the occasion.
I used to be invited, together with different aviation media and colleagues, to attend the occasion at Lufthansa Technik Manila. Listed here are some pictures from the occasion.
Philippine Airways A350-1000 Tour
Philippine Airways A350-1000 options 3 courses with a complete capability of 382 seats.
42 Enterprise Suite
24 Premium Economic system
316 Economic system seats (3-4-3 config).
A350-1000 Flight to Hong Kong
The subsequent day, I took PR318 again to Hong Kong, this flight is usually scheduled with the A350-1000. PAL talked about the A350-1000 will primarily be used on North American routes (corresponding to JFK) and infrequently on inter-Asia routes to Hong Kong and Bangkok.
Beneath is a photograph report of my flight and Philippine Airways Mabuhay Lounge in Manila.
Mabuhay Lounge, Manila, NAIA T1
General, the lounge is sort of crowded within the early morning as a result of excessive quantity of worldwide departures. The lounge has a contemporary really feel. I actually just like the facade space. Nevertheless, PAL can do higher by elevating the meals and drinks on supply to make the lounge really feel extra premium.
PR318 Manila to Hong Kong
Listed here are some pictures from my brief 1.5 hours flight. Most are self-explanatory.
Enterprise Class seat was from Collins Aerospace “Elevation”. This seat is sort of in style and presently set the usual in Enterprise Class.
Verdict – Professionals and Cons
Philippine Airways has ordered a complete of 9 A350-1000 and it’ll obtain 5 extra A350-1000 this yr. So anticipate the A350-1000 to be deployed on most long-haul routes.
Professionals:
A350-1000 is a giant improve to PAL’s fleet. Particularly take into account their B777 has an outdated product.
PAL crew are heat and normally are service-oriented.
Design parts are culture-inspired, such because the desk gentle, cloth, and headrest cowl.
Cons:
Economic system is 3-4-3, 10 abreast seating, which reduces the width.
PAL can additional improve its in-flight providing with higher-quality meals and drinks.
