Philippine Airlines A321neo Arrives in Manila

Philippine Airlines (PAL) took delivery of its very first of 21 Airbus A321 New Engine Option (A321neo) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on June 1.

PAL A321 Economy Class Interior
Copyright Photo: Ron Cubelo

PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista and PAL Senior Vice President for Operations Ismael Gozon witnessed the new aircraft's arrival at NAIA and welcomed back the crew who went to Hamburg Germany to pick up the new plane.  The ferry flight was under the command of Captains Roland Narcisco, Stanley Ng, Edinburgh Gammand, and Soilio Zara.  The plane landed in NAIA at 8.22 pm.  

Although PAL has A321s in its fleet, the A321neo is configured differently.  For one, the A321neo features only 168 passengers.  provides the aircraft with a more intimate feel.  It features 12 full  flat business class cabins with AC charging ports and in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens.  Economy class passengers will also get their own individual IFE screens.  They are treated to legroom of up to 32 inches.  Wifi is available on board.

The A321neo features the latest technology, including Sharklets.  These would provide up to 20 percent fuel savings for carriers by 2020.  PAL is not the only carrier in the Philippines that would have A321neos in its fleet.  Cebu Pacific is expected to receive its share of A321neos in the coming months.

The A321neo will serve destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.  Its first scheduled commercial flight will be to Brisbane on July 2.  The flag carrier also plans to use their newest plane on other flights to Australia, Sapporo Japan, Papua New Guinea, and India.


Photos courtesy of Philippine Airlines (via Cielo Villaluna's Facebook page)

Source: Australian Business Traveller