Philippine Airlines Planning to Order 12 Bombardier Q400 Aircraft

National flag carrier Philippine Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft of Canada to acquire twelve two-class 86-seat Bombardier Q-400 aircraft. Last March, the carrier revealed that it was studying options for the replacement of its existing fleet of regional aircraft operated by PAL Express. 

pal express q400
Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG
PAL Express currently operates a fleet of four Q300 aircraft and five Q400 aircraft. If the deal pushes through, it would increase the size and capacity of PAL's regional turbo-prop fleet allowing further expansion. In addition, the carrier will be the launch customer of the two-class variant of the Q400.

The 86-seat two-class variant will feature 10 "premium service" seats. According to Philippine Airlines President Jaime Bautista, the Q400 will serve an integral role in helping the carrier to realize its vision of becoming a 5-star rate airline.

"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, in-flight passenger experience," said Bautista. "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." Bautista added that Bombardier aircraft have been instrumental in evolving the carrier's domestic network operations over the last decade.

Meanwhile, Bombardier praised the carrier's decision, noting that Philippine Airlines chose the right aircraft for reshaping its domestic air travel strategy. "With its perfect balance of passenger amenities and operational flexibility, the 86-seat Q400 aircraft will offer Philippine Airlines significant opportunities to differentiate itself in the region's fiercely competitive environment," said Fred Cromer, President of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "We look forward to working with Philippine Airlines to reach a firm purchase agreement for Q400 aircraft."

The 86-seat variant Bombardier Q400 is the largest two-class turboprop aircraft available on the market offering the lowest seat-mile and operating costs in the regional aircraft market. This will support Philippine Airlines' efforts to develop its domestic operations from secondary hubs and increase intra-island connectivity, as it competes with budget-carrier Cebu Pacific, which recently introduced the ATR 72-600 into its fleet. Cebu Pacific is doubling its turbo-prop fleet as it seeks to increase inter-island travel and establish new bases.

15 comments:

  1. Philippine Flight Network has been rather slow, haven't they? I'm waiting for them to report on PAL's 7th 777 arriving this weekend.

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  2. In fact, RP-C778 has already had its first revenue flight.

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  3. Philippine Flight Network, late again. Um, do you know that Philippine Airlines received their 7th Boeing 777-300ER, the RP-C7778, last October 29, and made its first flight to New York via Vancouver (PR 126)? Also, the new Manila international airport project proposal was turned into "beauty contest" as Henry Sy, owner of SMDC, appeared to be one of the bidder for this mega airport project. Effective last October 30, Qatar Airways changed their operating aircraft into Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. T'Way Air adds Daegu to Cebu flights.

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  4. PAL should try the bombardier CS100 for their regional flights.

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  5. Hopefully PAL will consider the CS1OO or CS300 both are relatively new with the CS1OO making its first commercial flight just this year. so it could take same time!

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    1. I must agree. However, most airport in the Philippines cannot accommodate jet type aircraft even if it is a CS100. I believe what PAL is ordering is a next GEN Q400 which they'll be a launch customer. Crossing fingers that they'll consider a CS variant for PAL express in the near future.

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  6. Philippine Flight Network used to be hardworking in providing latest trends. But now, they imitate the slowness of philippineairspace.blogspot.com.

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  7. The latest news is exactly 1 month ago.

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  8. PAL Airbus a320 has successfully landed in the new Caticlan Airport.... that news is interesting to post! moreover, PAL Manila to Caticlan flights uses Airbus a320! very interesting news...post it here!

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  9. Maybe the reason why they prefer not to put the dates on their news items. Just the time. How inefficient.

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  10. They probably got tired of dealing with that Mr. Hong Kong dude hahaha

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  11. CAPA just gave an analysis that PAL may be reducing flights to Mideast and may end partnership with Etihad. Philippine Flight Network is seriously missing out.

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  13. The collaboration between the cockpit crew is a key factor in ensuring smooth and safe flights. AV8 Prep pilot school training

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