News

Philippine Airlines to refit A330s with three-class layout

2 Feb 2017 by Craig Bright
Philippine Airlines A330-300 Business Class

Eight of Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Airbus A330-300s are set to undergo a refit, which will see the single-class aircraft converted into three-class planes with premium economy and business class seating.

The new aircraft layouts will see a drop in seat numbers from 414 to 309, with PAL removing 105 economy seats and replacing them with 18 business and 24 premium economy seats. The Thompson Vantage XL business class seats will offer fully flat recline, a bed length of 78 inches and width of 23-24 inches, while 44 inches of legroom space will be available in a seating position.

The business class offering also includes a Pneumatic Comfort System (PCS), allowing passengers to adjust the firmness of the seat or select a massage setting. PAL claims to be the first Asian carrier to offer the PCS. Additional features include a headphone hook, regional capiz-style side décor and a footwell with mood lighting.

Meanwhile, the Zodiac 5810 premium economy seats will have 38 inches of legroom, a width of 19 inches and an eight-inch recline. Both premium economy and business class seats have a legrest, footrest and coat hook. The Zodiac economy seating will have 17 inches of width, 32 inches of legroom and a six-inch recline.

Philippine Airlines A330-300 Premium Economy

In-seat sockets and USB ports will be available across business and premium economy seats. Touchscreen monitors are available in all classes and measure 18.5 inches in business, 13.3 inches in premium economy and 10.1 inches in economy. In-flight wifi can also be accessed using the myPAL Player app to stream entertainment.

The change is part of the carrier’s efforts to enhance its offerings as a top-tier carrier, according to president and COO, Jaime Bautista. “As we journey on to become a five-star, world-class, full-service carrier with a heart, we devote our efforts towards enhancing the total travel experience. Our cabin reconfiguration efforts combined with meticulous seat and IFE [in-flight entertainment] selection are in line with our goal to make each and every flight pleasant, comfortable and convenient.”

The new-layout A330s are set to begin rolling out in June, with all eight aircraft completing their conversions over the following seven months. Reconfigured aircraft will be deployed on flights to Honolulu in June, Melbourne in July, Sydney in August, Singapore in September, Tokyo Haneda in October, Tokyo Narita in November and Osaka in December.

philippineairlines.com

Loading comments...

Search Flight

See a whole year of Reward Seat Availability on one page at SeatSpy.com

Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Be up-to-date
Magazine Subscription
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below
Polls