Philippine Airlines Receives its Newest Aircraft, an A321-200

Philippine Airlines' new A321-200 prior to delivery in Hamburg, Germany.

Philippine Airlines has finally received its newest aircraft, a single-aisle A321-200, the first of 64 Airbus jets ordered by the airline last year.

The aircraft, with 12 seats in Mabuhay (Business) Class, 18 in Premium Economy, and 169 in Fiesta (Economy) Class, will primarily be used on regional international flights, as well as selected domestic flights to Cebu or Davao. According to PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang, the recent acquisition of new planes will greatly help with the airline's massive expansion.

"We are excited about the A321 not only because its size fits our expansion plans, but the flexibility it gives us in matching the aircraft to specific route requirements in tremendous.", quoting Mr. Ang. 

Aside from the Airbus A321, Philippine Airlines is also expected to receive the first of the 20 Airbus A330-300 planes later this year, which were ordered last year. Having these aircraft would allow the airline to expand and add flights to destinations in the Middle East and even Europe, which it hopes to serve soon with flights to key cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Rome.