Philippine Airlines gives Sydney a 777 boost

Philippine Airlines is increasing its premium Sydney–Manila route to a Boeing 777 during the peak summer travel period, replacing an Airbus A330 on the service. The 777 provides 42 business-class seats versus 18 on the A330, a 133% increase, which could also allow more Qantas Classic Reward seats under the Qantas–Philippine Airlines partnership. However, the switch is described as a mixed outcome for premium passengers: the business cabin uses an older angled-flatbed layout in a 2-3-2 arrangement and features a dated inflight entertainment system. The two-class 777 also lacks the A330’s premium economy cabin. Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall said retrofitting modernisation could begin in late 2027, subject to supply-chain constraints. From January 2027, Sydney moves fully to the 777, and Brisbane is slated for larger aircraft.