Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce for 18 Trent XWB-97 engines to power nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, deepening the flag carrier’s long-haul fleet expansion as it seeks to modernize operations and improve fuel efficiency.
The agreement also covers engines for up to five more A350-1000 aircraft under PAL’s existing purchase rights and includes a TotalCare maintenance services agreement for the expanded fleet.
The latest order builds on PAL’s fleet modernization programme and comes as the airline expands its long-haul network with more fuel-efficient aircraft.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines. Together, the Airbus A350-1000 and the Trent XWB-97 engine will continue to define our flagship long-haul operations for many years to come,” Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings, said.
He added that the TotalCare agreement would help maximize fleet availability while improving long-term maintenance planning and cost predictability.
Rob Watson, president of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said the Trent XWB-97’s reliability and efficiency, combined with the TotalCare package, would help PAL maximize operational performance as it expands its A350-1000 fleet.
The Trent XWB-97 is the exclusive engine for the Airbus A350-1000 and is designed to deliver lower fuel consumption, high reliability and improved environmental performance.
Philippine Airlines, founded in 1941, operates scheduled flights from hubs in Manila and Cebu to 69 destinations across the Philippines, Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
The carrier was invited to join the oneworld alliance in 2026 after being recognised by Cirium as the Asia-Pacific region’s most on-time airline in 2025.
Business News Asia
