Philippine Airlines confirms Boeing 787 order to expand long-haul fleet

Monday 20 July 2026 - 13:31

By: Sahili Aya

Philippine Airlines confirms Boeing 787 order to expand long-haul fleet

Philippine Airlines has reinforced its long-term fleet expansion strategy by confirming an order for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, while securing purchase rights for five additional aircraft, a move that could significantly strengthen its long-haul operations over the next decade.

The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in England, one of the aviation industry's premier events where airlines and manufacturers frequently unveil major commercial aircraft deals.

Should Philippine Airlines exercise its option to acquire all 20 aircraft, the transaction would carry an estimated value of approximately $3.4 billion, based on post-discount market estimates from aviation consultancy IBA Group.

The new aircraft will be powered by GE Aerospace GEnx-1 engines, continuing the carrier's investment in fuel-efficient propulsion technology designed to reduce operating costs while improving environmental performance. Deliveries of the first aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2031, reflecting the extended production timelines currently facing aircraft manufacturers.

The Boeing 787-10, the largest member of the Dreamliner family, is designed to accommodate high-capacity, long-haul routes while offering improved fuel efficiency compared with previous-generation widebody aircraft. Its range and passenger capacity make it particularly well suited to connecting major international destinations across Asia, North America and the Middle East.

For Philippine Airlines, the investment signals confidence in the continued recovery and long-term growth of international air travel. The carrier has been modernizing its fleet to meet increasing passenger demand while improving operational efficiency and enhancing the onboard travel experience.

The order also represents another commercial success for Boeing as global airlines continue renewing fleets with more efficient aircraft capable of supporting future growth while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

As deliveries begin later in the decade, the new Dreamliners are expected to play a central role in Philippine Airlines' international network expansion, providing additional capacity and greater flexibility for long-distance routes.