Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken a significant step in its long-haul fleet modernization by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce for 18 Trent XWB-97 engines. These powerplants will equip nine new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights covering engines for up to five more frames. The announcement, made on 21 July 2026, underscores PAL's commitment to operational efficiency and environmental performance on its longest routes.
Strategic Engine Selection for Long-Haul Growth
The Trent XWB-97 is the sole engine option for the Airbus A350-1000, a type known for its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. PAL's choice aligns with its broader strategy to replace older widebodies and expand into new markets. Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., stated: “This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines. Together, the Airbus A350-1000 and the Trent XWB-97 engine will continue to define our flagship long-haul operations for many years to come.”
This engine order follows PAL's earlier commitment to nine A350-1000s, as reported in our coverage of Philippine Airlines Orders Nine Airbus A350-1000s, Eyes Long-Haul Growth. The carrier also recently selected GE engines for its Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, detailed in Philippine Airlines Selects GE Engines for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
TotalCare Maintenance Agreement Enhances Reliability
In addition to the engine purchase, PAL has enrolled in Rolls-Royce's TotalCare service program. This comprehensive maintenance package is designed to maximize fleet availability and provide predictable long-term costs. Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, commented: “The Trent XWB-97 is an exceptional engine, renowned for its proven reliability and efficiency.” The TotalCare agreement will cover scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, helping PAL optimize its operational performance.
The partnership with Rolls-Royce is expected to bolster PAL's long-haul capabilities significantly, particularly on routes to North America and Europe. The airline currently operates A350-900s on services such as Manila–Los Angeles and Manila–London Heathrow, and the larger A350-1000 will enable higher capacity and longer range on these key city pairs.
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
PAL's fleet renewal comes as Asian carriers invest heavily in next-generation aircraft to improve fuel efficiency and passenger experience. The Trent XWB-97 has accumulated over 10 million flight hours globally, with a dispatch reliability rate exceeding 99.9%. This track record was a key factor in PAL's decision, according to company insiders.
The airline's move also reflects broader trends in the aviation industry, where carriers are balancing capacity growth with sustainability goals. For travel professionals, this signals increased competition on long-haul routes from Manila, potentially affecting pricing and capacity for agents and tour operators.
For more on how airlines are leveraging technology to improve operations, see our report on Malaysia Airlines Integrates IATA Turbulence Aware for Real-Time Weather Intelligence. Additionally, the rising cost of fuel and data center energy is impacting airline budgets, as explored in AI Data Centers Drive Up Utility Costs for Hotels, Airlines, and Destinations.
With this engine order, Philippine Airlines is positioning itself for sustained growth in the premium long-haul market, offering travel professionals a reliable partner for transpacific and European itineraries.
