Philippine Airlines' A350-1000 arrives with doored mini-suites

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is preparing to press its first Airbus A350-1000 into service after taking delivery of the three-class, 382-seat twinjet — complete with Collins Aerospace’s Elevation doored mini-suites up front.

This aircraft (registration F-WZFZ) is the first of nine A350-1000s destined for the Manila-based carrier and, says Airbus, will join the airline’s in-service A350-900s “to expand routes to the US.”

Ferried to Manila on 20 December, flag carrier PAL now bears the distinction of being the first in Southeast Asia to operate the next-generation widebody aircraft.

From a passenger experience standpoint, PAL has played it safe in the 42-seat business class cabin on board the A350-1000, opting for Collins Aerospace’s ever-solid Elevation platform (the successor to its hugely popular Super Diamond and predecessor to Elements).

Of note, each of the full-flat, direct aisle access mini-suites — configured 1-2-1, reverse herringbone style — offer a sliding privacy door (in contrast to the doorless Thompson Vantage XL seats on the carrier’s A350-900s.)

Business class passengers can avail of multiple power ports: a universal outlet, USB-A and USB-C, and an integrated wireless charging dock.

“Welcome to your personal place in the sky, where space finds light, and design meets Filipino hospitality,” beckons the airline.

In Premium Economy, PAL continues to favor the narrower 2-4-2 configuration found on its A350-900s (and as likewise adopted by a raft of other A350 operators.)

Based on what appears to be Collin’s MiQ recliner, the 24 seats are spread across three rows on the A350-1000.

Each seat offers 19” width, 38” pitch, 7” recline, a footrest, legrest, and a private mini cocktail table. Universal power and both USB-A and USB-C ports ensure that passengers can keep their devices charged.

Down back, the 316 economy class seats are densely configured in rows of 10-abreast, which is tighter than PAL’s nine-abreast A350-900s.

Here, seat width comes in a smidge under the 17″ mark. To its credit, PAL isn’t hiding the fact, transparently noting in a fact sheet about the aircraft that seat width is “16.49 inches.”

At 32 inches, the airline is, however, offering a slightly better economy class seat pitch than the industry average of 31″. The seats also feature four-way headrests and both USB-A and C ports.

4K embedded IFE is offered throughout the aircraft, from nose to tail. “Sharper visuals elevate your in-flight experience, with advanced 4K-entertainment that open your eyes to more vibrant worlds,” says the airline.

The CMF (color, materials and finish) across all three cabins is inviting if restrained, with greys and blues featuring prominently. Mood lighting from Airbus’ spectacular Airspace cabin will lend depth to the aesthetic.

“The arrival of the A350-1000 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and network growth,” Lucio Tan III, president of Philippine Airlines’ parent PAL Holdings Inc. says of the carrier’s fleet expansion program.

“It will be a source of Filipino pride and a transformational step for our airline.”

All images credited to Philippine Airlines