Airline Adding Flights To The US And European Destinations

Philippine Airlines is retooling its fleet as it launches service to the US and Europe and says it is considering the purchase of 20 Boeing 777X airliners, according to a report by Reuters. Owned by Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp and local billionaire Lucio Tan, the airline also expects the new aircraft will allow it to challenge its domestic rival Cebu Air Inc.

The 777X is still in development. The jet is larger than the existing Boeing 777, will carry 400 passengers with longer range, is lightweight and has bigger wings and engines.

PAL President Ramon Ang told reporters on Monday, "It depends on the price. We are looking at the new Boeing 777X. We may buy 10 and, if it performs well, we'll exercise an option for 10 more."

PAL, which last year sealed deals to buy Airbus jets with list prices totaling almost $10 billion, wants to add 100 new aircraft to its fleet of just 40 aircraft over the next five to seven years.

(Philippine Airlines B777 image from file)

FMI: www.boeing.com