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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider PAL rolls out first of 18 retrofitted A321ceo aircraft

PAL rolls out first of 18 retrofitted A321ceo aircraft

Published Sep 23, 2025 03:52 pm
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has unveiled its newly retrofitted A321ceo aircraft, with its maiden flight scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24, as part of the flag carrier’s ongoing fleet modernization program.
On Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Lufthansa Technik Philippines, PAL showcased the first of 18 refurbished aircraft, the first to be released this year.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
A new look for a better ride. PAL showcases its retrofitted A321ceo, which features new amenities like personal entertainment screens for all passengers and locally-made seats.
The refurbished aircraft features a total of 194 seats: 12 in business class and 182 in economy. The seating is configured in a two-two layout in business class and a three-three layout in economy.
The updated business class seats now offer a 45-inch pitch and more recline for increased legroom. Passengers in this class will also have access to 13.3-inch personal entertainment screens, power sockets, and USB-A ports.
Economy passengers will also benefit from significant upgrades, including 10.1-inch personal entertainment screens, USB-A charging ports, and wider seats with four-way adjustable headrests. PAL emphasized that all passengers will now have access to in-seat screens and charging.
The retrofit also highlights "Filipino excellence": The Collins Pinnacle seats were manufactured at Collins Aerospace's facility in Batangas, making PAL the first Filipino airline to use locally made seats.
The project was completed within 18–20 months, ahead of the original 24-month schedule, due to the use of pre-certified components already deployed in PAL’s fleet. However, the updated design reduces the overall seating capacity by five seats—from 199 to 194—to accommodate the increased pitch in business class.
In addition to the narrow-body retrofits, PAL is expanding its long-haul fleet with the planned delivery of nine A350-1000 aircraft by the end of this year, followed by 13 A350-1000 Neo NX aircraft starting next year.
These upgrades not only standardize the in-flight experience across the international narrow-body fleet but also underscore PAL’s commitment to providing world-class service powered by Filipino craftsmanship.
(Ricardo M. Austria)

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