Philippine Airlines could buy “around” 100 new aircraft amid rising demand for air travel in the region.
Last week, the airline’s chief operating officer Stanley Ng told the Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN that the airline is considering a large order for new aircraft.
He said the flag carrier had been planning to conduct a study on a potential new order in 2023, but that it was delayed.
But planning for a new order has been resumed amid the construction of new airports and an anticipated boom in tourism.
Ng said: “Last year we were supposed to study and make a longer-term plan because of all the developments in our country as well.
“There will be new airports, and new capacity will come in. We have to prepare for that. We have to be ready.
“We can’t order planes when the airport is already online. It’s thinking ahead also.”
Asked about whether the order could be for 100 new aircraft, Ng said Philippine Airlines still had pending orders, “but if you add those pending orders, maybe around that number”.
The airline has so far ordered nine wide-body Airbus A350-1000 jets with an option to add three more for its long-haul flights. The first aircraft will be delivered next year.
Meanwhile, 13 A321neo aircraft are expected to arrive from mid-2026.
The COO’s comments come after the low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific placed an order for 152 A321neos in July.
Michael Szucs, CEO of Cebu Pacific, said: “The order is designed to give Cebu Pacific the flexibility to choose between the A321neo and A320neo aircraft as needed, helping us adapt to market changes.
“This deal is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone while supporting the Philippine growth story.”
The order is the largest for new aircraft in the country’s history.
