Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be upgrading its flagship route between Manila and London it was revealed today by Airline Route.
From October 28 PAL will be deploying its new A350-900. It will replace the B777-300ER, which PAL currently operates for the non-stop service to London.
Not only is the A350 recognised by our readers as a quieter aircraft aloft (compared with the B777-300ER) it features the latest amenities and seating.
In particular, with the A350-900, PAL will be offering a truly competitive product for business class.
On the A350, business class adopts the latest flat-bed seating configured 1-2-1 (by contrast business class on the B777-300ER is 2-3-2) and there’s a new premium economy cabin disposed 2-4-2.
Economy class will be 3-3-3 (it’s 3-4-3 on the B777-300ER).
There is no first class on either aircraft type.
Operating the A350-900 means that PAL will be offering roughly 80 fewer seats. These are almost all in economy class.
PAL’s A350 is configured for 30 business, 24 premium economy and 241 normal economy class. By comparison its B777-300ER is fitted with 42 business and 328 economy class seats.
It therefore suggests PAL will concentrate more on revenue rather than volume.
Flight timings (subject to change) are:
PR720 Manila-London Heathrow 1300-1920
PR721 London Heathrow-Manila 2150-1945
Note that the A350 is scheduled to enter service on the London route from the start of the winter timetable. Nearer the time we will have a better idea of connecting opportunities via Manila.
Airbus plans to deliver the first A350 to PAL on July 14.