Airline Becomes Launch Customer Of Extra-Capacity, Two-Class Q400 Aircraft

Philippine Airlines, the 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 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."

"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. "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.

"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.

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. Operating from the company's regional office located in Singapore, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft's sales and marketing team is well positioned to provide industry-leading solutions to its current and prospective customers.

(Image provided with Bombardier news release)

FMI: www.bombardier.com