In the online aviation sphere, conversations about Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) fleet expansion plans and aircraft orders have been gaining traction. During the 82nd PAL anniversary media event on March 15th, Capt. Stanley Ng and network planning head Christopher Gaertner touched upon the subject, without specifying any particular order. However, there are speculations among the online aviation community that PAL is also considering the Boeing 787-9 as possible A330 replacements.
The A350-1000 has captured PAL’s attention since 2018 as a possible replacement for the Boeing 777-300ER. However, aviation aficionados are pondering which aircraft could succeed the A330-300, with the Boeing 787 being cited as a potential candidate for PAL’s fleet. However, these debates are rooted in speculation and conjecture within the community.
In a recent article from Simple Flying, it said, “This wouldn’t be the first time Philippine Airlines has set its sights on obtaining the Airbus A350-1000s. The last time the airline had its eyes on the larger aircraft was back in 2018 when Airbus offered the bigger variant as a replacement for the airline’s Boeing 777s and to match the unfilled order of the airline’s Boeing 787-9s.”
Was PAL considering placing an order for the Boeing 787-9? Previously, it was widely believed that the ideal replacement for PAL’s A330-300s would be the A330-900neo, the same type of aircraft which is currently operated by Cebu Pacific. However, it now appears that the preference may be shifting towards Boeing for the A330-300 replacement.
Although no official announcement has been made and nothing is set in stone, the Boeing 787-9 could be a suitable successor to PAL’s A330-300, particularly as PAL transitions away from its traditional airline model.
Developing New Cargo Markets
PAL is currently focused on expanding its cargo market to reduce its reliance on single revenue streams such as passenger revenue. As a result, they are looking for aircraft with greater carrying capacity and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and an impressive range that can cater to their pre-pandemic and new market routes.
While the A330-900neo can carry more passengers than the Boeing 787-9, PAL needs a versatile plane that can cater to both passenger and cargo needs. One of the significant advantages of the Boeing 787-9 is that it has a higher MTOW, with a capacity of up to 254,011 kg compared to the A330neo’s 251,000 kg. Additionally, the Boeing 787-9 can carry up to 36 LD3 or 11 pallets, while the A330neo can carry up to 33 LD3 or 9 pallets. Although the A330neo can carry 460 passengers on a single-class layout, the B787-9 can accommodate up to 420 passengers.
Range and Efficiency
While the A330-900neo boasts impressive aerodynamic improvements such as the Sharklet wingtip devices, the Boeing 787-9 is 80% composite materials. This makes it a lighter aircraft, resulting in additional range capabilities despite having a smaller fuel capacity. However, the A330neo incorporates the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, providing efficiency and generating savings through reduced fuel burn.
When it comes to range, there are some key differences between the Boeing 787-9 and the A330neo. The 787-9 has a longer range, with a maximum range of 14,140 km, while the A330neo’s maximum range is 13,334 km. It’s worth noting that the actual range of each aircraft will depend on factors such as the airline’s seat configuration, but overall the Boeing 787-9 comes out on top in terms of range. This makes it an attractive option for airlines looking to serve long-haul routes without the need for refueling stops, opening up new possibilities for global travel.
While the Airbus A330-300 continues to serve PAL well, the airline is now looking for a more versatile plane that can cater to both passenger and cargo needs. The Dreamliner boasts a higher maximum takeoff weight and cargo capacity compared to the A330neo, as well as a lighter weight and longer range. The A330neo, on the other hand, highlights its latest-generation engines and aerodynamic improvements that provide efficiency and generate fuel savings. The airline will also be able to save in training costs due to cockpit commonality between the A330ceo, A330neo, and A350.
Ultimately, the decision rests on the number crunchers and fleet planning team of PAL as they consider a multitude of factors beyond markets, efficiency, and future plans. Making an aircraft order is a significant investment that will affect the airline’s future, so everything must be well-studied before a final decision is made.
Regardless of the outcome, the future of PAL is exciting. The upcoming widebody order will be a mix of both Airbus and Boeing planes. As PAL looks to reestablish pre-pandemic routes and eye new markets with promising revenue growth, the decision they make will have a significant impact on the airline’s future.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
