PAL signs Rolls-Royce engine deal for expanded A350 fleet

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce for Trent XWB-97 engines to power nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as the flag carrier advances its long-haul fleet expansion, BusinessWorld reported.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, PAL Holdings, Inc. said the agreement covers 18 Trent XWB-97 engines for the nine aircraft. The deal supports PAL's strategy to modernize its long-haul fleet and expand international routes.

The A350-1000 is the largest variant of Airbus's A350 family, capable of carrying up to 410 passengers on routes of up to 16,000 kilometers. PAL currently operates a mixed fleet of A350-900 and A330 aircraft on long-haul services.