Philippine Airlines is set to revolutionize its business class experience with an upgrade to its Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 fleet, offering a design that will soon debut on its Airbus A350-1000. The airline's President, Richard Nuttall, reveals that the first A350-1000 is expected in the coming weeks, with potential delays from December to January. This upgrade is part of a broader fleet modernization program, with Nuttall estimating a three-year timeline, starting in late 2027. The program addresses the airline's 'same supply chain issues' as the rest of the industry. The refurbishment is estimated to cost $14-$15 million for the A330s alone, with the Boeing 777s requiring more. Philippine Airlines is also enhancing its single-aisle Airbus A321 jets with new business and economy seats, aiming to improve passenger comfort across the Asia-Pacific region. The A321ceo business class features a 2-2 layout with a 45-inch pitch and a 10-inch recline, while the economy cabin sacrifices five seats for enhanced comfort. The most notable change for passengers will be the introduction of seatback video screens and USB charging outlets. Three A321s will undergo the upgrade this year, with nine more in 2026 and the final six in 2027. These older A321ceo models will complement the latest A321neo series, which features lie-flat business class seats. Philippine Airlines aims to capitalize on the growing demand for domestic and regional flights, particularly in Cebu, which is being developed as an inter-island and international hub. This strategy involves not only long-haul flights but also expanding domestic services that connect to international routes, as noted by Chief Operating Officer Carlos Luis Fernandez.
