Philippine Airlines signs LoI for up to 12 Bombardier Q400s
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft have announced that Philippine Airlines, Inc., flag carrier of the Philippines, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to acquire up to 12 Q400 aircraft.
“For close to a decade, the Bombardier Q Series family of aircraft has been instrumental in evolving our domestic network operations,” said Jaime J Bautista, President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines. “We are proud that our continued fleet growth now makes us the first airline to launch service with the two-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft. As we strive to become a five-star-rated airline, the Q400 aircraft, featuring a modern and innovative configuration, will be instrumental in providing our travellers with a world-class, in-flight passenger experience.”
“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,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “
“We look forward to working with Philippine Airlines to reach a firm purchase agreement for Q400 aircraft,” added Mr Cromer.
“As Philippine Airlines looks to develop its domestic operations from secondary hubs and increase intra-island connectivity, the 86-seat Q400 aircraft -- the largest two-class turboprop aircraft available on the market -- will increase the carrier’s competitiveness by offering the lowest seat-mile and operating costs in the regional aircraft market,” said François Cognard, Vice President, Sales, South-East Asia and Australasia. “Our continued collaboration will undoubtedly set the stage for another decade of profitable and efficient operations for Philippine Airlines.”
Bombardier’s Dash 8/Q Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets have made significant advances in the Asia-Pacific region where approximately 190 aircraft – including more than 165 Dash8/Q Series turboprops -- are in service with, or ordered by, over 25 customers and operators.