News
PAL boosts turboprop fleet with up to 12 Q400s
October 21st 2016
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a letter of intent to purchase “up to 12” Bombardier Q400 turboprops in the manufacturer’s new two-class high-density 86-seat configuration, including ten “premium service” seats. Read More »
"As Philippine Airlines looks to develop its domestic operations from secondary hubs and increase intra-island connectivity, the 86-seat Q400 aircraft…will increase the carrier's competitiveness by offering the lowest seat-mile and operating costs in the regional aircraft market," Bombardier’s VP sales, SE Asia and Australasia, François Cognard said.
"Integrating the extra-capacity, two-class Q400 aircraft into its operations is the ideal solution for Philippine Airlines as it reshapes its domestic air travel strategy," Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president, Fred Cromer, added.
"For close to a decade, the Bombardier Q Series family of aircraft has been instrumental in evolving our domestic network operations," said PAL’s president and COO, Jaime Bautista. "Our continued fleet growth now makes us the first airline to launch service with the two-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft.
PAL Express currently operates a fleet of four Dash 8-300s and five Q400s.
It’s the time for firsts in the Philippines. Late last month, PAL budget rival, Cebu Pacific Air, became the launch customer for ATR’s new high-capacity ATR 72-600, seating 78 versus the standard 72 passengers.
