Philippine Airlines Unveils New Fleet of A330-300 HGW Aircraft

Philippine Airlines has unveiled the first of its tri-class configured Airbus A330-300 HGW aircraft. The airline will accept delivery of seven of these modern fuel-efficient aircraft in 2014. Each aircraft will feature 18 Business Class seats, 27 Premium Economy Seats, and 323 Regular Economy seats.

PAL placed the order for Airbus A330-300 HGW aircraft in 2012. The 240 tonne high gross weight variant of the A330 provides additional range capability. This enables Philippine Airlines to operate the aircraft from Manila non-stop to any destination in the Asia-Pacific region, Middle East, or even as far as Honolulu in the United States.

"Crew Cabin Control Console"
Copyright Photo: Lloyd Lostboy/PPSG

The High Gross Weight vairant is 7 tonnes heavier than the standard Airbus A330-300. It features a strengthened wing and additional fuel capacity giving the aircraft a range of more than 11,000 kilometres. The Airbus A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service in the airline industry. More than 1,200 orders have been logged at Airbus for the various versions of the aircraft. There are more than 120 A330 operators and customers worldwide.

"Crew Rest Area PAL A330-300 HGW"
Copyright Photo: Lloyd Lostboy/PPSG

"With the latest enhanced versions of the A330, we will be providing our passengers the highest levels of in-flight comfort, while benefitting from the low operating costs offered by these super-efficient aircraft," said PAL President Ramon Ang. "This will complete our current medium-to-long range requirements under our fleet modernisation programme."

Although no built-in in-flight entertainment has been installed for passengers, Philippine Airlines has configured the aircraft with GSM and WiFi capability enabling passengers to browse the internet and make phone calls while in-flight. In addition, PAL will be offering passengers wireless in-flight entertainment that enables travellers to stream live content including movies, television programs, and magazines to their personal electronic devices such as tablets and smart phones. For those that do not bring their own wireless device, Philippine Airlines has iPad tablets on board that are complimentary to Business Class passengers and available for rent for Economy Class passengers.

Philippine Airlines recently gave the public an opportunity to sample the onboard experience of its latest acquisition at an event held at Villamore Airbase. Passengers simply downloaded an app giving them instant access to the in-flight entertainment in a matter of seconds. According to PAL representatives, the new wireless connectivity and entertainment "will give every flier an experience that only a five-star hotel can give." They added that the aircraft has been designed to allow passengers to feel like they are in a hotel due to the comfort and ease of the on board services and amenities.

Business Class

The new Philippine Airlines Business Class cabin features Equinox 3D seats produced by Sogerma. Each of the 18 seats in the cabin feature a spacious 60-inch seat pitch while in the upright position and the ability to recline to various lounging positions including a fully flat position for passengers that wish to sleep. When in the lie-flat position, the seat reclines into a bed stretching 76.8 inches long and 20.6 inches wide.

Although no in-flight entertainment has been installed, Philippine Airlines will be providing all Business Class passengers with a mini iPad that offers a range of content including movies, television shows, music, games, and publications through the wireless in-flight entertainment service. In order to ensure that the iPad and other electronic devices remain fully charged throughout the flight, each seat also features a USB port, and in-seat power supply. Seat controls, reading lights, and ample stowage space are other features available in the new Business Class.

Premium Economy

For passengers seeking a slightly enhanced and more spacious travelling experience, Philippine Airlines offers Premium Economy. Each seat is upholstered in a synthetic leather with warm tones. According to the airline, the material was chosen for its light maintenance requirements and ease to clean. Even the cloth attached to each headrest with velcro is seamless to detach and replace. The Airbus A330-300 HGW features 27 seats in Premium Economy with a 34"-35" seat pitch. Each seat is also equipped with a universal power port in lieu of in-flight entertainment for charging personal electronic devices. For passengers that do not bring their own personal electronic device, iPad tablets are available to rent for an additional fee.

Regular Economy

The main economy cabin is equipped with 323 seats upholstered in synthetic leather featuring a 30" to 31" seat pitch. Like Premium Economy, no in-flight entertainment is built in. However, passengers also have access to their own individual in-seat power supply to charge any electronic devices. Passengers that do not bring their own device can also rent iPad tablets on-board for an additional fee.

The new fleet of Airbus A330-300 HGW aircraft will be deployed on routes to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Nagoya, Tokyo-Haneda, and Seoul throughout the year. The first aircraft flew its maiden journey on May 16 from Manila to Hong Kong.

Philippine Airlines Unveils New Fleet of A330-300 HGW Aircraft

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