Toulouse is best known as the Pink City—a nickname earned from its signature reddish bricks and terracotta rooftops, making it a charming tourist destination in Southern France. The city is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Canal du Midi, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, and the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

One of Toulouse’s most iconic figures is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famed aviator and author of “The Little Prince.” He flew for the pioneering airmail service Compagnie Aéropostale, which operated routes to Africa and South America from its base in Toulouse. Local shops are filled with memorabilia and merchandise of “The Little Prince,” making it a poetic tribute to the beloved author and his timeless work.

Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region of France with around half a million people within its city limits and more than one and half million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. It is France’s fourth-largest city after Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. From the docks of the Garonne River to the grand square of the Capitole, Toulouse is truly a city of charm and character.

But it is more than just a picturesque stop. Toulouse is a global hub for aerospace and innovation—home to Airbus headquarters and a symbol of Europe’s engineering leadership.

Last month, Philippine Airlines (PAL) brought members of the media to Toulouse, France, for an exclusive look at their newest aircraft currently under production at the Airbus final assembly line.

We had the opportunity to meet with Toulouse Deputy Mayor Jean-Claude Dardelet and Philippine Honorary Consul Jeffrey Cabauay. Dardelet gave us a private tour of the Capitole, where his office is located, and shared deeper insights into the city. “They say you go to Paris to see, Lyon to have, Bordeaux to spend, and Toulouse to learn,” said the deputy mayor.

Indeed, Toulouse is not only the center of aviation manufacturing in Europe but also a hub for education and research. Its universities and institutions attract global talent in fields such as electronics, information technology, defense, biotechnology, and of course, aerospace. It makes perfect sense, then, that the future of the Philippine flag carrier is taking shape here.

Against this backdrop, PAL unveiled its latest aircraft under construction: the Airbus A350-1000. Inside the Airbus final assembly line, we were granted rare access to witness the aircraft as it began to come together.

PAL’s new flagship, the A350-1000, is built for long-haul efficiency. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, it is designed to fly up to 16,100 kilometers. The aircraft will feature a tri-class configuration: 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy, and 316 Economy seats—all with upgraded comfort and design.

“We made a commitment to rebuild stronger, smarter, and focused on delivering world-class service, and sustainable growth for generations to come,” said PAL Executive Vice President and COO Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez during a media presentation in Toulouse. “We are now in the midst of a strategic investment phase that will position Philippine Airlines as a benchmark in product quality, service excellence, and operational reliability in the region.”

But this isn't just an aircraft upgrade—it’s part of PAL’s broader transformation strategy. According to PAL President Richard Nuttall, the A350-1000 represents the airline’s long-term commitment to enhancing operations, elevating the passenger experience, and improving fuel efficiency on key routes. “The fleet game-changer will significantly boost PAL's passenger capacity and reinforce our commitment to delivering world-class service, Nuttall said.

“Before the year ends, the first of nine A350-1000s will carry the Philippine tricolor across the skies—the world’s most modern and fuel-efficient long-range aircraft, ready to transform our fleet and win the hearts of our passengers on routes to North America,” Fernandez continued. “Eight more will follow between 2026 and 2028—and we trust our partners at Airbus will deliver these aircraft on schedule! We plan to put these aircraft in service.”

The visit to Toulouse also highlighted PAL’s longstanding relationship with Airbus, which dates back 46 years. Today, Airbus aircraft make up over 70 percent of PAL’s fleet. The A350-1000 continues that legacy—and reinforces a shared focus on innovation and sustainability.

“We are honored to make it the flagship of a PAL that is battle-tested, ready for the future, and determined to make its mark on global aviation. The road ahead will not be without challenges, but we face it with humility, purpose, and resolve,” said Fernandez.

With picturesque Toulouse as its backdrop, the continued rise of Philippine Airlines is no longer just a dream; it’s becoming a reality.