PAL signs LOI for 12 Bombadier Q-400 aircraft

Philippine Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with Bombardier to acquire up to twelve 86-seat 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 twoclass, 86-seat Q400 aircraft. As we strive to become a 5-star rated airline, the Q400 aircraft, featuring a modern and innovative configuration, will be instrumental in providing our travellers with a world-class, inflight passenger experience.”

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.

“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 customer support network for commercial aircraft in the Asia Pacific region includes Regional Support Offices in Narita (Tokyo), Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai and Mumbai, as well as Parts Depots in Sydney, Beijing and Singapore.