Why PAL Chose to Purchase the Airbus A350-1000 Over the A380

In a recent turn of events, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has caught the attention of aviation enthusiasts with its decision to place an order via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for nine A350-1000s, with the option of adding three more. This news, which spread like wildfire across social media channels of PAL and Airbus, was welcomed with much excitement by ‘avgeeks’, many of whom had predicted this development years ago. However, a section of observers questioned PAL’s choice of the A350-1000 over the superjumbo A380. For those immersed in the world of aviation, the rationale behind this decision is quite apparent.

Why the Airbus A350-1000 Over the A380?

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – the A380 is no longer in production. But, if you’re curious about why Airbus ceased the manufacturing of the A380, I recommend you to delve into this topic separately.

The A380: Too Large for PAL’s Market

The Airbus A380 has the capacity to accommodate between 400 to 800 passengers, depending on seat configuration and amenities. For PAL, a typical configuration would include business class, premium economy, and economy class. Such an arrangement would result in over 500 seats. To ensure economic and efficient operation, PAL would have to consistently fill these seats – a challenging task given the demand for more than 350 economy class seats. While the US market is substantial, the demand in other destinations may not justify a large aircraft like the A380. Airlines prefer to keep their planes in the air, not parked on the tarmac.

Frequent Flights Yield Higher Profits

When all passengers are bundled into one flight, they are left with a single flight time option. This doesn’t align with the preferences of PAL’s market, where travelers appreciate having multiple flight times to choose from. For instance, operating two Manila to Los Angeles flights using 777s or A350s gives passengers more flight options and is more accommodating for those with connecting flights.

NAIA: Not Equipped for Regular A380 Passenger Flights

While it’s true that A380s regularly land at NAIA at night for maintenance at Lufthansa Technik Philippines, it’s not suitable for regular A380 passenger flights.

There might be those who point out that Emirates has indeed operated an A380 flight to Manila in the past. However, this was a one-time special flight, designed to celebrate Emirates’ terminal transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. Since that occasion, no further A380 flights have been undertaken by Emirates to Manila.

So, why is this the case? Well, the answer lies in the impressive wingspan of the A380, which measures a substantial 79.3 meters. Given the limited space of the NAIA runway and taxiways, this size could potentially lead to wingtip collisions with other widebody aircraft. To mitigate this risk, the Emirates A380’s arrival was scheduled for a late-night slot when NAIA typically sees significantly reduced aircraft movement. This safety-first approach underscores why routine A380 flights to Manila are not feasible.

Shift Towards Twin-Engine Long-Range Jets

The trend is leaning towards twin-engine ultra-long-range widebody jets like the A350-1000. Several airlines, including Singapore Airlines, have begun retiring their A380s. This trend is fueled by the preference of today’s traveling market for more frequencies and flight options. For PAL, returning to quadjets would be a step back from efficiency, considering that two engines consume less fuel than four.

A350-1000: The Largest Aircraft in Airbus Inventory

With the discontinuation of the A380, the largest aircraft that an airline can purchase from Airbus is the A350-1000. For PAL, securing A380s would mean sourcing used planes and incurring significant costs for reconfiguration and maintenance checks.

While the A380 has proven successful for airlines like Emirates, it doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for PAL. The two airlines serve different markets. In the coming years, even Emirates plans to retire A380s in favor of more twin-engine long-range widebody jets. The A380 is perfect for a hub-and-spoke model, but with the advent of ultra-long-range twin-engine widebody jets like the A350-1000, the point-to-point model using twin-engine long-range jets that can fly passengers halfway around the world non-stop is becoming the preferred choice.

The Shift in Airline Dynamics

The A380’s key strength lies in the hub-and-spoke model, where large numbers of passengers are transported from various origins to a central hub, from where they are then dispatched to their respective destinations. However, the rise of ultra-long-range twin-engine widebody jets like the A350-1000 is slowly making this model obsolete. These newer aircraft are designed to support a point-to-point model, which allows for direct flights between specific locations without the need for a central hub. This model is emerging as a more efficient approach, especially with jets that can take passengers across half the globe without stopping.

The Verdict: Airbus A350-1000 Over A380

With this context, it becomes evident why PAL chose the Airbus A350-1000 over the A380. The A380, to begin with, was not a feasible option; it was at the bottom of their list of choices. The world of aviation is evolving, and airlines are continuously seeking more efficient and cost-effective ways to meet their operational needs and the ever-changing preferences of their passengers.

In the case of PAL, their decision to opt for the A350-1000 is a strategic move that aligns with industry trends and their unique market requirements. It is a decision made not just in the present context but also with a clear vision of the future of aviation. While the A380 may continue to serve certain airlines and markets, the A350-1000 is a more fitting choice for PAL, and for many other airlines adapting to the shifting dynamics of the aviation industry.

While the A380 has enjoyed success with certain airlines like Emirates, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best fit for every airline. Different airlines cater to different markets, and the choice of aircraft is dependent on multiple factors, including the specific needs and preferences of their passenger base. Looking ahead, even Emirates is planning to begin the process of retiring its A380s, further endorsing the shift towards more twin-engine long-range widebody jets. Therefore, PAL’s choice of the Airbus A350-1000 over the A380 is not only logical but also indicative of the direction in which the global aviation industry is moving.