Philippine Airlines is ordering Boeing Dreamliners for the first time in nearly 20 years

The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, takes the form of a memorandum of understanding covering 15 787-10s, plus an option the airline could exercise to take five more, the company said. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, according to the Manila Times. The deal's financial terms were not disclosed.

Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III said in a statement the 787-10 "will strengthen our medium and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals." Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement the order "marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years."

The order represents the largest widebody purchase in Philippine Airlines' history, the company said. The 787-10 is the largest variant in the 787 family, capable of carrying 300 to 375 passengers up to 13,890 kilometers. Boeing says the aircraft's composite design yields 25% less fuel use than the planes it typically replaces.

The new jets will join an existing fleet that already includes 10 Boeing 777s, the company said. Beyond its Boeing widebodies, the carrier relies heavily on Airbus equipment for international flying, with four A350s handling longer routes and 11 A330s deployed across the Asia-Pacific region, according to Bloomberg.

The deal gives Boeing a foothold in a market where Airbus has been dominant. Also at Farnborough, Boeing announced deals with jet lessor SMBC for 100 aircraft and with Riyadh Air for 28 planes, according to Bloomberg.

Philippine Airlines, founded in 1941, operates nonstop flights from hubs in Manila and Cebu to 29 domestic destinations and 40 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East, the company said. The airline was invited to join the oneworld alliance in 2026.

The Farnborough order announcement comes as Boeing has been working to stabilize its finances and production before committing to a new commercial aircraft program. Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg said Monday that the company needs roughly two more years to get its financial position in order before it can seriously pursue a next-generation jet, adding that lifting delivery rates on existing programs remains the immediate priority.