The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), marked a historic milestone as the company’s most-awaited aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, arrived in Manila on Saturday, making PAL the first in a Southeast Asian country to operate the next-generation widebody aircraft and reinforcing its long-term global growth strategy.

Following a ceremony held in Toulouse, France, PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III led a contingent of the company’s top executives, including PAL Board Adviser Kyle Tan, PAL president Richard Nuttall, and executive vice president and chief operating officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, in taking delivery of the first of nine A350-1000 aircraft that PAL will receive as part of its fleet expansion program.

The PAL president conveyed the company’s gratitude to Airbus, its partner of over 40 years, and underscored the significance of welcoming the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, which has set new standards for intercontinental travel.

“The arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and network growth. It will be a source of Filipino pride and a transformational step for our airline,” Tan said.

Expected to fly PAL’s transpacific routes, the aircraft features a spacious tri-class cabin layout, which can accommodate up to 382 passengers, with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 316 in Economy.

The acquisition brings PAL’s total fleet to 82 aircraft. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines, each capable of delivering up to 97,000 pounds of thrust, the A350-1000 offers enhanced efficiency and reliability.

The aircraft also sets new standards in sustainable aviation, featuring up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft, and is capable of being operated with sustainable aviation fuel.