PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce for Trent XWB-97 engines to power nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft because the flag carrier advances its long-haul fleet expansion.
In a disclosure on Wednesday, PAL Holdings, Inc. said the agreement covers 18 Trent XWB-97 engines for the nine aircraft, in addition to engines for as much as five additional A350-1000s covered by the airline’s purchase rights.
The parties also signed an agreement for Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare service, which is able to provide health monitoring and maintenance support for the fleet.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the long run of Philippine Airlines. Together, the Airbus A350-1000 and the Trent XWB-97 engine will proceed to define our flagship long-haul operations for a few years to come back,” PAL Holdings President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III said.
“Our TotalCare agreement complements this investment by providing comprehensive maintenance support that helps maximize fleet availability while giving us greater confidence in long-term maintenance planning and value predictability,” he added.
The Trent XWB-97 is the exclusive engine for the Airbus A350-1000.
“We’re proud to proceed strengthening our long-standing relationship with Philippine Airlines. The Trent XWB-97 is an exceptional engine, renowned for its proven reliability and efficiency, making it our best-selling engine over the past 18 months. Combined with the excellent operational support provided by TotalCare, this order will enable Philippine Airlines to maximise their operational performance as they proceed expanding their A350-1000 fleet,” Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace President Rob Watson said.
The engine agreement follows PAL’s announcement that it will acquire nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options to buy as much as five more.
The airline said the extra aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2034 and 2036.
PAL currently operates Airbus A350 aircraft on long-haul routes, including Recent York and Toronto. The airline first ordered nine A350-1000 aircraft in 2023. The primary aircraft from that order was delivered in January, while the remaining aircraft are expected to reach by 2028. — Ashley Erika O. Jose