First Airbus A350 XWB for Philippine Airlines

Toulouse, 14 July 2018: SMBC Aviation Capital has today announced that Philippine Airlines (PAL) has added its first Airbus A350 XWB MSN 0221 to its fleet. The A350-900 XWB, which is the first of two to be delivered to Philippine Airlines on sale and leaseback includes the financing of Pre-Delivery Payments. SMBC Aviation Capital, together with Airbus and Philippine Airlines celebrated receipt of the aircraft at the Airbus facility in Toulouse. The aircraft will now be deployed on the airline’s long-haul routes including between Manila and New York, thus allowing the airline to fly all year round between the two destinations.

The aircraft will now undertake its inaugural flight from Toulouse to Manila where an event to celebrate the new aircraft will take place. SMBC Aviation Capital is the principal sponsor of this celebratory event.

Speaking on the occasion of the delivery of the airline’s first A350 XWB, Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. Bautista said,

“Today’s delivery is an important step in the modernisation of our fleet. This A350-900 aircraft will not only allow us to operate our direct Manila to New York route all year round but it will also service our other long haul destinations, helping us compete in the increasingly competitive Asia-Pacific market. The aircraft also offers our customers an exceptional passenger experience with the latest cabin technology to make their journey as comfortable as possible.”

This is also the seventh A350 XWB to be added to the SMBC Aviation Capital portfolio.

Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, said:

“This delivery is an important milestone for SMBC Aviation Capital as it marks our first delivery to our new customer, Philippine Airlines. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest growing markets in terms of air travel and we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to expand our footprint here and deliver Philippine Airlines its first A350.”

“We are pleased to welcome Philippine Airlines as the latest operator of the A350 XWB,” said Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus. “The A350 XWB has set new standards for long haul flights, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest possible operating costs and the highest standards of comfort. We are confident that the A350 XWB will be a great success with Philippine Airlines and will enable the airline to reinforce its position as one of Asia’s leading international carriers.”