PAL set to bring back tri-class A330 to Australian routes

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to resume operating its Airbus A330-300 fleet on daily flights between Manila and Sydney this February. This development follows the redeployment of PAL’s Airbus A330-300 on the Manila-Melbourne route, marking the conclusion of its partnership with Wamos Air.

Last June 2024, PAL entered into a wet lease agreement with Spanish airline Wamos Air for two Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured with a dual-class cabin. Under the agreement, Wamos Air provided the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance, and insurance. During this period, the Airbus A330-200 aircraft registered as EC-NCK and EC-NUI exclusively operated flights between Manila-Sydney and Manila-Melbourne.

The wet-lease arrangement will officially end on January 31, 2025, when EC-NUI operates its final commercial flight as PR-211, arriving in Sydney on the morning of February 1. It will then return to Manila that same afternoon. Once this flight is completed, EC-NUI is scheduled to be ferried back to Spain, joining its sister aircraft, EC-NCK, which returned to Spain after its last PAL-operated flight on December 31, 2024.

Starting February 1, 2025, PAL will operate its tri-class Airbus A330-300 on the Manila-Sydney route, significantly increasing the total capacity by 7% compared to the Wamos Air A330-200 aircraft. The new configuration also reintroduces PAL’s Premium Economy class for this route, providing passengers with more options and a comfortable travel experience.

The flag carrier maintains a strong presence in linking the Philippines and Australia with 22 weekly flights between Manila and significant Australian cities. PAL operates daily flights to Sydney and Brisbane, five weekly flights to Melbourne, and three weekly to Perth. While the Brisbane and Perth routes are serviced by PAL’s Airbus A321neo fleet, the Sydney and Melbourne routes will now utilize the Airbus A330-300.

PAL’s connection with Australia is steeped in history, dating back to October 6, 1963, when it launched twice-weekly flights to Sydney using a Douglas DC-8. Over the years, the airline has deployed various aircraft on the route, including the Douglas DC-8, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, MD-11, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, Airbus A321neo, and Airbus A330.

Through these developments, Philippine Airlines continues strengthening its commitment to providing seamless travel between the Philippines and Australia.