Philippine Airlines (PAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce for the acquisition of 18 Trent XWB-97 engines to power nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement, announced on 21 July 2026, also includes engines for up to five more aircraft under PAL's purchase rights. This move is part of PAL's strategy to modernise its fleet with fuel-efficient and reliable long-haul aircraft.
The Trent XWB-97 engine, exclusively used in the Airbus A350-1000, is celebrated for its fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., stated, “This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines. Together, the Airbus A350-1000 and the Trent XWB-97 engine will continue to define our flagship long-haul operations for many years to come.”
In addition to the engine order, PAL has signed up for Rolls-Royce's TotalCare service, which will provide comprehensive maintenance support. This service aims to maximise fleet availability and offer predictability in long-term maintenance planning. Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, remarked, “The Trent XWB-97 is an exceptional engine, renowned for its proven reliability and efficiency.”
This development underscores PAL's commitment to maintaining a modern and efficient fleet, enhancing its operational performance as it expands its A350-1000 fleet. The partnership with Rolls-Royce is expected to bolster PAL's long-haul capabilities significantly
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