Philippine Flag Carrier Advances Fleet Modernization and Regional Growth Strategy
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for the acquisition of 15 fuel-efficient 787-10 Dreamliner jets, with opportunity for five more, marking a major step forward in the airline’s long-term fleet renewal and growth strategy.
The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel. The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium and long haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals,” said Lucio C. Tan III. “As Asia’s first and longest serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing.”
The 787 Dreamliner will form part of PAL’s broader fleet modernization program aimed at building a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive airline. With its advanced composite materials, next-generation aerodynamics, and fuel-efficient engines, the Boeing 787-10 delivers significant environmental benefits, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft, while offering improved operational performance.
Passengers will benefit from a more comfortable travel experience through the largest windows on any commercial jet, higher cabin humidity, improved air quality, quieter interiors, and PAL’s latest generation cabin products.
“Philippine Airlines’ selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years,” said Stephanie Pope. “We’re grateful for PAL’s trust in Boeing, and our team looks forward to delivering advanced-technology airplanes that deepen connections across the Philippines, Asia and beyond.”
The agreement marks PAL’s first Boeing aircraft order since 2007 and reinforces the airline’s longstanding 80-year partnership with the U.S. manufacturer. PAL remains the only Philippine carrier operating Boeing aircraft for commercial passenger flights.
Key Boeing suppliers Moog, Rockwell Collins, and JAMCO have production facilities in the Philippines that support 787 production, local jobs and technology transfer by providing components, including interior panels, flight control and hydraulic systems for the Dreamliner.
PAL expects the delivery of its Boeing 787-10 orders between 2031 and 2034, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2031.