Dubai: Philippine Airlines (PAL), the Philippine flag carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pratt & Whitney to power its order of 15 firm, plus 15 purchase right A321neo aircraft.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that we embrace innovative technology within our aircraft fleet,” said Jaime Bautista, president and chief operating officer, Philippine Airlines. 

“The A321neo aircraft with PurePower engines helps us keep our fleet young and modern. With these aircraft, we will be able to reduce our fuel burn and subsequent operating cost.”

“Philippine Airlines recognises Pratt & Whitney’s industry-leading technology, which will provide them exceptional service for many years,” said Greg Gernhardt, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines.

“The PurePower engine has set the precedent in our industry for its fuel burn advantage through delivering a greater than 16 percent fuel burn improvement.”

The PurePower engine family has completed more than 23,000 hours and 40,000 cycles of testing.

As the first airline in Asia, Philippine Airlines has been carrying people to and from the Philippines since 1941. Philippine Airlines has a young and modern fleet of aircraft and a route network that spans 35 foreign cities and 29 domestic points.