PAL buying more 7 more Q400 new generation aircraft for $235 million

June 20, 2017

Philippine Airlines on Tuesday said it signed an agreement with Bomardier Commercial Aircraft Inc. to buy seven more Q400 new generation aircraft for $235 million. “As we position ourselves for growth, we are pleased to be adding more Q400 to our fleet,” Jaime Bautista, PAL president and chief operating officer said. In December 2016, PAL placed an original order for five Q400s and acquired purchase rights for seven more. PAL is expected to take delivery of the world’s first dual-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft in July 2017 for specific PAL domestic routes. The remaining four Q400 aircraft will be delivered until November. “We are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we look forward to offering more capacity and improving connectivity in the region with comfortable, fast and efficient regional aircraft like Bombardier’s 86-seat turboprops,” Bautista said. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said the Q400 aircraft have helped airlines around the world expand their networks, and capture new opportunities. Bombardier has recorded a total of 585 firm orders of Q400 aircraft. "We are delighted that Philippine Airlines is growing its fleet with more Q400 aircraft, and are confident that the airline will benefit from the aircraft’s outstanding economics and performance,” Cromer said PAL owns four Bombardier DHC 8-300 aircraft and five Bombardier DHC 8-400 aircraft which it dry leased to sister company PAL Express. A dry lease is a leasing arrangement where an airline provides an aircraft, without crew, to another airline. PAL Express uses these aircraft to fly to provincial destinations.DMS