PAL plans to buy more 100 planes to meet growing passenger traffic

By Komfie Manalo

Air travel continues to climb up and is nearing the pre-pandemic level, with global air transport seat capacity and passenger-pushing profits of airlines.   In the Philippines, domestic carriers recorded nearly 29 million scheduled domestic passengers in 2023, indicating a recovery in passenger traffic since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

PAL President and chief operating officer Stanley Ng said that flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is preparing for the forecasted influx of passenger demand and announced plans to buy additional airplanes.

"Last year, we were supposed to study and make a longer-term plan because of all the developments in our country as well. There will be a new airport, and new capacity will come in. We have to prepare for that. We have to be ready. We can't order planes when the airport is already online. It's thinking ahead also," Ng said.

He added that management is finalizing the order details but hinted that an announcement could be made soon.

According to the PAL chief, the company prepared a study on the number of aircraft orders last year, but it was put on hold. However, Ng said the carrier is seriously considering adding more airplanes to its fleet in anticipation of the influx of passengers and the construction of new airports that will spur domestic and foreign tourism.

When asked if it would be about 100 aircraft, Ng said the flag carrier still has pending orders, "but if you add those pending orders, maybe around that number."

Currently, PAL has ordered nine wide-body A350-1000 jets with an option to add three more for its long-haul flights. PAL expects the first aircraft to be delivered next year, while 13 A321 Neo aircraft are scheduled for delivery in mid-2026.

Ng also is optimistic about the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport operations starting in September.

"Innovation will start coming in by September. Hopefully, we can already see some innovations by the end of the year, because it's especially Christmas peak season, and that's the best time f