NATIONAL flag-carrier Philippine Airlines received Sunday, July 15, its first Airbus A350-900 that will be used for long-haul flights to North America and Europe.

A delivery ceremony was held at Toulouse, France before the A350-900 flew to Manila.

Philippine Airlines, in a Facebook post, said they will use the A350 for non-stop flights to New York and London starting October 2018.

Once the Manila-New York-Manila route begins, it will be among the longest flights in the world at around 16 to 17 hours.

"The Airbus A350-900 allows us to fly the longest commercial flight in Philippine history from Manila nonstop to New York City, flying over the North Polar region," PAL President Dr. Jaime J. Bautista said in a previous press conference this year in Davao City.

The airline's A350 will feature Philippine Airline's latest Tri-Class cabin with new Business, Premium Economy, and Economy seats.

The airline has selected the Thompson Vantage XL brand for its business class seats with a full-flat recline. PAL Business class is in a 1-2-1 configuration offering an all-aisle access for its business class passengers.

The Zodiac 5810 brand was selected for the premium economy class seats while the Economy Zodiac brand was chosen for the economy seats. Universal Serial Bus ports and in-seat power supplies are also installed in Premium Economy and Economy seats.

Philippine Airlines signed a purchase agreement in 2016 with aircraft manufacturer Airbus for six A350-900 aircraft, with option for another six.

The airline is set to receive four more A350-900 units this year and the remaining two in 2019.