Philippine Airlines (PAL) is on track to make a decision by the end of 2015 regarding whether it will order Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s to replace its A340 fleet.
The airline has received proposals from both manufacturers and is still conducting its evaluation, said PAL President Jaime Bautista.
The management team hopes to make a recommendation to the board within the next few months, and then the board will make the final decision.
Source: Lindner Fotografie
PAL may order 8 aircraft, Bautista said.
These would replace the 6 A340-300s in the fleet and also provide for some fleet growth.
The new aircraft would provide the carrier with the opportunity to fly new nonstop sectors, such as Manila-New York.
The versions being considered by the carrier are the Boeing 787-9 and the Airbus A350-900.
Source: Lindner Fotografie
Whichever aircraft type is selected will be configured with less than 300 seats, including economy, premium economy and business class. The A340s currently have a 254-seat, two-class layout.
Bautista noted that 787s and A350s have both greater fuel-efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Based on the article “Philippine Airlines Nears 787/A350 Choice” published in Aviation Week.
Wouldn't it be logical if PAL orders A350s?
ReplyDeleteYes that would be grand but I think the A350 is approx $40million dearer than the 787. Boeing would love to raise its price on the 787, supposedly losing about $26 million dollars per aircraft. As we all know its not just the price,as these are greatly discounted to the airlines but the follow on support etc that wins deals. Both Aircraft companies are loaded with back deliveries, so I dont think that will apply. If Emirates chooses the 787 over the A350,as is highly likely then that would give Airbus a lever on this order, maybe being able to move deliveries around.
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