787-9

Philippine Airlines is reportedly planning to purchase six or more long-range aircraft such as the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787.

The airline plans to use the new aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of four engine-powered A340 airliners, which require high levels of maintenance and burn more fuel.

Philippine Airlines president Jaime Bautista was quoted by Inquirer.net as saying: "We are now in the process of evaluating, which aircraft we will choose to replace the Airbus A340s.

"The decision most probably [will be made] within the year."

The airline currently operates six Airbus A340s and six Boeing 777 300-ER aircraft.

"They are becoming more expensive to operate, and it consumes more fuel…maintenance is also a little bit more expensive."

With the potential addition of new airplanes, Philippine Airlines will have a fleet of 78 aircraft, and expects to save up to 30% on fuel costs.

"If there are buyers, we can sell the Airbus A340s," Bautista added.

"They are becoming more expensive to operate, and it consumes more fuel…maintenance is also a little bit more expensive."

The airline anticipates purchasing more aircraft at a later date, based on the demand.

For January to March 2015 quarter, Philippine Airlines recorded a 30% increase in revenues to $627m, compared with $482.4m last year, and net earnings of $85m from a loss of $20.7m in 2014.

Airbus’ Global Market Forecast (GMF) for 2013 to 2032 estimated that Asia-Pacific will represent 36% of all new passenger aircraft demand.

Image: A 787-9 Dreamliner with new Boeing livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.