Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first A321neo aircraft in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft is the first of 21 A321neos ordered by the airline under its fleet renewal programme.

Powered by Pratt and Whitney Pure Power engines, the new aircraft features a premium two-class layout with 12 business class seats and 154 seats in the main cabin.

The airline plans to deploy the A321neo aircraft across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and India.

The A321neo joins an existing Airbus fleet at Philippine Airlines that currently includes 25 A320ceo Family aircraft, 15 widebody A330s and five A340s. The carrier will also take delivery of the first of six A350-900 widebody aircraft on order later this year.

The delivery is part of the airline's multi-hub expansion strategy which includes plans to boost operations at its hubs in Davao, Cebu and Clark, with the scheduled arrival of 15 new aircraft within 2018, and another six aircraft in 2019.

New routes and hikes in flight frequencies are being introduced as the flag carrier accepts delivery of five additional Next-Generation Bombardier Q400s and six Airbus A321neos starting in May 2018, along with four Airbus A350-900s starting in June 2018.

PAL is presently working with local and foreign government authorities for the green light to operate new or additional tourist-carrying flights from China, Korea and Taiwan to Puerto Princesa and Cebu, in light of the suspension of many flights from these countries to Kalibo.

Comprehensive marketing and sales studies are ongoing for the introduction of new destinations in Europe and the U.S. mainland, including Chicago and Seattle.