Philippine Airlines Set to Order Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 at Farnborough Airshow

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the Philippines' flagship carrier with over 85 years of operation, is preparing to place a major widebody aircraft order at the upcoming Farnborough Airshow in July 2026. The airline aims to acquire 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners alongside nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, signaling a significant expansion of its long-haul fleet. This move represents a diversification of PAL’s widebody aircraft portfolio, as it currently operates Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-300ERs but has never flown the 787-10 before.

PAL's relationship with Airbus has grown steadily since it took delivery of its first A350-1000 in December 2025 and another in June 2026. With an additional seven A350-1000s still pending acceptance, the airline clearly values the fuel efficiency and passenger comfort provided by this latest-generation widebody. The decision to bring Boeing into the fold with the 787-10 reflects PAL’s strategy to balance fleet capabilities and possibly leverage the different performance profiles and operating costs of the two aircraft types.

The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner marks a new chapter for Philippine Airlines, which has previously operated several generations of Boeing aircraft, including the 777-300ER widebody jets currently in the fleet. The 787-10 is the largest variant in the Dreamliner family and offers a blend of extended range and superior fuel efficiency, making it attractive for PAL’s medium to long-haul routes within Asia as well as to Australia and the Middle East. This order would be the first time PAL integrates 787-10s into its fleet, enabling new route opportunities and fleet flexibility.

This impending deal comes amid a broader trend of major airlines renewing and expanding their fleets with next-generation widebody aircraft. For example, the Lufthansa Group concluded a similar deal earlier in May 2026, committing to 10 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a purchase valued at $7.7 billion at list prices. Such orders highlight an ongoing shift toward modern, fuel-efficient jets to reduce operational costs and environmental impact while enhancing passenger experience.

The Farnborough Airshow, held biennially, has firmly established itself as a critical venue for the announcement of landmark commercial aviation orders. In the two years since the 2024 show, large carriers like flynas, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic announced substantial purchases of both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. These pre-show announcements and finalized deals during the event underscore the airshow’s role as a catalyst for industry growth and airline fleet modernization initiatives.

PAL’s fleet expansion strategy bolsters its competitive stance in the Asia-Pacific region, which is seeing increasing air traffic and dynamic shifts in carrier alliances and route structures. Adding the 787-10s and further A350-1000s will allow PAL to better serve both leisure and business travel demands across its network. Enhanced fuel efficiency and range also support the airline’s economic and environmental objectives as they grow.

Beyond the immediate business implications, PAL’s widebody fleet augmentation aligns with global trends toward sustainability in aviation. Both the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 families feature cutting-edge technologies that reduce carbon emissions and noise, contributing to the airline’s potential efforts in environmental stewardship.

With the Farnborough Airshow 2026 just days away, Philippine Airlines is expected to formalize these orders, joining other major carriers in leveraging the event to announce transformative fleet investments. These acquisitions will not only expand PAL’s operational capabilities but also mark a strategic milestone as the airline modernizes and diversifies its fleet for the new decade.