Philippine Airlines introduces new regional A321 Neo fleet

Philippine Airlines is continuing to improve its passenger experience, investing in new aircraft and turning the carrier around from its earlier, higher density approach to its business. In the past few years that has meant new long-haul business class cabins, improved lounges and A321s with fully flat seats for medium-long haul operations across Australasia.

The new, short-range Neo aircraft is the first of a batch of 15 that will be progressively introduced into the PAL fleet over the next few years. PAL’s A321neo features the versatile Airbus “cabin flex” configuration designed for short-range regional flights between the Philippines and East Asian destinations, including airports in greater China, central Japan, Korea, Guam and the rest of ASEAN, whereby passengers in both cabins will enjoy the latest IFE entertainment platform and comfortable reclining seats.

Outfitted with just 195 seats in a two-class layout, namely 12 seats in Business Class and 183 seats in Economy, the A321neo SR offers a roomier cabin than the existing 199-seater A321 Classics, with more generous legroom and personal space than the 236-seat configuration offered by some competitor airlines on their similar-sized A321neos. American Airlines take note at the space between the business class seats, and addition of leg rests too.

“Our passengers will appreciate the more comfortable layout of the aircraft,” said PAL President Gilbert F. Santa Maria. “The A321neo’s new engines, ‘sharklet’ wingtips and other innovations also make the airplane quieter, more efficient and kinder to the environment, which is good news for the planet.” Added Santa Maria: “Our newest A321neo will become the single-aisle mainstay for regional routes, helping PAL in our mission to boost tourism from the high-producing tourist countries in the region such as China, Japan, Korea and our ASEAN neighbours.”

It’s continual improvements like this that will see Philippine Airlines continue to cement its position as a developing carrier in the area, and certainly one to watch out for.