Philippine Airlines Commits to Up to 20 Boeing 787-10s

‍FARNBOROUGH — Philippine Airlines (PR) has committed to order up to 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, selecting the 787-10 as the next major widebody type in its fleet modernization plan.

The agreement, announced by Boeing at the Farnborough Airshow, covers 15 Boeing 787-10 aircraft with purchase rights for five additional jets. Once finalized, Boeing said the deal will support PAL’s medium- and long-haul expansion plans.

The aircraft commitment is the largest widebody order in Philippine Airlines’ history, according to Boeing.

787-10 to Complement 777 Fleet

Philippine Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes Boeing 777 widebodies on long-haul services. Boeing said the 787-10 will complement PAL’s existing fleet of 10 777 jets, giving the airline greater flexibility across medium- and long-haul routes.

The 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family. Boeing says the aircraft can carry 300 to 375 passengers and fly up to 13,890 km, or 7,500 nautical miles, depending on configuration. The manufacturer also says the 787 uses 25% less fuel than the aircraft it typically replaces.

For PAL, the selection points to a fleet strategy focused on high-capacity, long-range aircraft that can support growth across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and potentially longer transpacific markets from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB).

Fleet Renewal and Growth

“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel,” Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings, said in the Boeing announcement.

Tan said the 787-10 will strengthen the airline’s medium- and long-haul fleet while improving operating efficiency and supporting sustainability goals.

The deal also extends an 80-year relationship between Boeing and Philippine Airlines. PAL celebrated its 85th anniversary earlier this year and remains Asia’s oldest operating commercial airline. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said the Dreamliner selection marks a new step in the partnership.

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The commitment gives Boeing an important widebody win at Farnborough and gives Philippine Airlines a clearer path for long-haul fleet renewal.

For PAL, the 787-10 offers a more efficient high-capacity aircraft for markets where the airline needs widebody economics but not necessarily the full range or size of larger aircraft. That makes it useful for dense regional and medium-haul routes, as well as selected long-haul services where demand supports a larger cabin.

The announcement also adds to a busy opening day for widebody and propulsion activity at Farnborough. Boeing’s PAL commitment follows Riyadh Air firming up 34 widebody jets at the show, while engine manufacturers are also using the event to lock in future fleet support, including Pratt & Whitney’s A320neo engine deal with British Airways.

The deal also arrives as Philippine Airlines prepares for a broader international profile. Boeing noted that PAL was officially invited in 2026 to join the oneworld alliance, a move that could strengthen the carrier’s global connectivity and partnership position.

For Boeing, the agreement adds momentum to the 787 program at a show where widebody availability, delivery timing, and long-term fleet replacement are major themes. The commitment is not yet a finalized order, but it gives both companies a clear framework for PAL’s next phase of widebody growth.