Marcos Vows Aviation Upgrade As PAL Unveils Longest Aircraft

Citing the importance of keeping pace with a rapidly evolving aviation industry, President Marcos on Saturday, Jan. 17, led the launching of Philippine Airlines (PAL)’s new Airbus A350-1000, one of the most modern widebody aircraft designed for long-haul travel.

The unveiling of PAL’s latest aircraft – the first in Southeast Asia and 10th in the world – coincided with the celebration of the flag carrier’s 85th anniversary.

The first of nine brand new A350-1000 arrived at NAIA last December 2025, and was received with a water salute from two fire trucks. The A350-1000 can accommodate 382 passengers divided into three classes: 42 seats for business class, 24 seats for premium economy, and 316 seats for economy class. The A350-1000 will be handled by 18 cabin crew, including four pilots.

“With its new-generation materials and engineering, this aircraft brings up to 25 percent reduction in fuel burn – lowering operating costs while significantly cutting our carbon emissions,” Marcos said in his speech during the unveiling held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

“This step complements our efforts to modernize the aviation sector and embrace more sustainable practices for the future,” the President said.

Joining the President at the celebration were First Lady Liza Marcos, PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III, PAL board adviser Kyle Tan, PAL president Richard Nuttall, PAL executive vice president and chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez, Cabinet officials, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps.

In his remarks, Marcos cited the ongoing modernization of different airports and upgrading of infrastructure across the country to boost regional development and economic progress. These include the Modular Passenger Terminal Building being constructed at the Siargao Airport and the new International Passenger Terminal Building at the Davao International Airport.

The government has also started upgrading and expanding the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport through collaboration with the private sector.

At the Caticlan Airport, a new terminal is underway to better serve both local travelers and tourists, the President also said.

The President called for more public-private partnerships to support the administration’s aviation-centered initiatives that he said would sharpen the Philippines’ competitiveness and expand opportunities for Filipinos.

PAL landing 5 more A350s

Meanwhile, PAL said it will add five more of its new aircraft for long-range flights this year, boosting its widebody fleet for a scheduled expansion in North America.

Fernandez, PAL’s EVP and CEO, said the airline is likely receiving five more of the A350-1000s this year.

Fernandez said the delivery of the second A350-1000 is scheduled in May, preparing PAL for its network expansion in the US West Coast the following month. The airline will be adding more flights to Los Angeles by June 1, raising the frequency to 18 times a week, from 14 currently.

As planned, PAL has to wait until 2027 before Airbus delivers all of the A350-1000s it ordered. The A350-1000 is viewed in the aviation industry as the most cost-efficient aircraft right now for long-range services. – With Elijah Felice Rosales, Alexis Romero, Rudy Santos