PHILIPPINE Airlines has signed a deal with Boeing to purchase 15 787-10 Dreamliners, with option for five more, as part of its fleet modernization program.
In a disclosure on Tuesday, the flag carrier said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boeing for the acquisition and a separate agreement with GE Aerospace for the GEnx-1B engines that would power the new jets.
The agreements were announced on Monday during the Farborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.
Leading the signing ceremony were PAL President Richard Nutall, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope, and other senior executives of Boeing and GE Aerospace.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel,” PAL Holdings Inc. President and CEO Lucio Tan III said, adding that the new 787s would strengthen PAL’s medium and long-haul haul fleet.
As for the deal with GE Aerospace, he expressed confidence that the GEnx engines “will provide the reliability, efficiency, and performance needed to support our operations and deliver an even better travel experience for our customers.”
PAL said that aside from lower emissions, GEnx-1B engines also combined efficiency, reliability, and durability, guaranteeing quieter and more sustainable long-haul air travel.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said PAL’s selection of the 787-10 Dreamliner marked a milestone in their 80-year partnership.
“Our team looks forward to delivering advanced-technology airplanes that deepen connections across the Philippines, Asia and beyond,” she said.
As the largest variant of the 787 family, the Dreamliner can seat up to 375 passengers and has a range of up to 13,890 kilometers or 7,500 nautical miles.
PAL said it expected delivery between 2031 and 2034.
“We are proud to support the carrier as it grows its widebody fleet with an engine that delivers proven reliability, fuel efficiency and strong operating performance,” GE Aerospace Commercial Engines & Services President and CEO Mohamed Ali said.
Shares of PAL Holdings, parent company of Philippine Airlines, held steady at P2.34 each on Tuesday.
