MANILA, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Philippine Airlines Inc (PAL) is
in talks with Airbus Group SE AIR.PA and Boeing (N:BA) Co BA.N to
buy as many as 12 aircraft and will decide on the purchase
before the end of the year, the flag carrier's President Jaime
Bautista told Reuters.
PAL in August had said it was planning to buy eight planes,
but Bautista said the amount had increased to cater to growing
demand for long-haul flights to the United States and Europe.
PAL PHL.UL will choose one supplier, and is considering
the twin-engine Airbus 350 or Boeing 787 aircraft, Bautista said
late on Monday.
The airline will put firm orders for six aircraft worth
around $1 billion for delivery in 2017 and 2018, with the option
to buy six more jets for 2019 and 2020 delivery, he added.
The Philippines' fourth richest man, Lucio Tan, last year
took over management of the airline and started a review of its
operations, which included jet retirement and purchases.