Battle-tested airline

TOULOUSE – It’s my first time since the pandemic lockdowns to embark on a long-haul flight, and I’m glad that it is to this lovely French city.

The non-stop flight to Paris took nearly 15 hours, plus a three-hour layover before I boarded the connecting flight to Toulouse, which took an hour and 20 minutes.

Because of conflicts in Ukraine and now Iran, I was told that the plane had to veer from the traditional route to Paris, avoiding dangerous airspace. I’ve forgotten how grueling long-haul flights can be. But my flight was made bearable because the Airbus planes to Paris and Toulouse were comfortable.

And I’m glad to know that our flag carrier Philippine Airlines is acquiring widebody planes from Airbus that will make long-haul flights more enjoyable.

PAL chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez flew over the weekend to this city, home of Airbus and Europe’s aerospace industry, for a first-hand look at the flag carrier’s new flagship, the Airbus A350-1000.

The first of nine A350-1000 planes will be rolled out by PAL in December this year, with the rest to be delivered between 2026 and 2028. The new plane will initially service PAL’s busiest long-range route, Manila to Los Angeles.

Fernandez describes the A350-1000 as “the world’s most modern and fuel-efficient long-range aircraft, ready to transform our fleet and win the hearts of our passengers…”

Sarah McLaren, Airbus marketing head for widebody and freighter aircraft, told visitors from the Philippines last Friday at the Airbus campus here that the A350-1000 is 25 percent more fuel-efficient than earlier models.

This is made possible, according to Louis-Ponthus Rochot, head of the assemblage structure for the A350 series, because the body of the A350-1000 is made of titanium alloy and composites. The new wing design is also more aerodynamic and the engine has been upgraded.

Fernandez says the new plane, developed by Airbus and Rolls-Royce, is up to four times more quiet than other widebody aircraft. Combined with higher humidity and cleaner air technology in the cabins along with mood lighting and spacious bins and ceilings, he says the flight will be more restful and there will be less jet lag.

“It’s lifting things to another level,” PAL’s new president Richard Nuttall told us.

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PAL is the only local airline providing long-range service. Fernandez admitted that PAL “has journeyed through turbulent times – from the depths of the pandemic and the challenges of a global crisis, through the hard work of restructuring and recovery…”

“Through all these, our shareholders made a commitment – to rebuild stronger, smarter and focused on delivering world-class service and sustainable growth for generations to come,” Fernandez told us.

Both Fernandez and Nuttall acknowledge new challenges posed by geopolitical developments. Last year, all airlines saw serious flight disruptions due to a spare parts shortage arising from the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Nuttall thinks this problem is now “plateauing,” although supply chain problems persist. While the issues in this area have been “generally resolved,” according to Fernandez, today the conflict in the Middle East has escalated, pushing up fuel prices including, of course, aviation fuel.

With the entry of the US in the attack on Iran, the level of uncertainty has surged. But the aviation industry thinks long-term, and players prefer to look on the bright side.

McLaren said orders for the A350-1000 have doubled as of May this year since its rollout in January 2023, with Qatar Airways as the first client.

PAL’s long-range trans-Pacific flights use 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, flying to Los Angeles and San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver and occasionally to Toronto and New York.

“But now, it’s time for the next chapter. It’s time to elevate our fleet with new technology, enhanced cabin features, and the performance and reliability needed for future growth,” Fernandez told us at the unveiling of PAL’s first A350-1000.

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Together with Nuttall, Fernandez inspected the plane that is being assembled at the Airbus headquarters here.

Only clients are allowed to conduct this inspection. Rochot assured us that inspections are conducted at every step of the assembly to ensure the safety of the plane. But those of us from the media were able to enter a mock-up of the A350-1000 and several other Airbus bestsellers.

Never mind the business class seats, which have long provided passengers a relatively comfortable flight; the test of aircraft comfort is the economy section. For those flying coach, the A350-1000 has a broader recline and more legroom than the older models. Premium economy has gained popularity, and for this, the plane has 24 wide recliners in an exclusive cabin.

PAL’s new aircraft was having its wings attached during our visit. The body was still in green anti-corrosive paint, and the nose still had its red plastic cover. But the tail already displayed the Philippine flag.

Fernandez described it as a “remarkable aircraft,” and “we are honored to make it the flagship of a PAL that is battle-tested, ready for the future, and determined to make its mark on global aviation.”

“The A350-1000, it’s the future,” Fernandez said. “It’s definitely a step up for us.”

PAL owner Lucio Tan once joked to The STAR that if you have an enemy, you should make him buy an airline. Fernandez has variations of the same industry joke.

“The road ahead will not be without challenges,” Fernandez admitted. “But we face it with humility, purpose, and resolve.”