Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has finalised a firm purchase agreement with Philippine Airlines for up to 12 Q400 turboprops.

Includes a firm order for five Q400 aircraft and purchase rights for seven Q400 jets, the order is valued at $165m based on list prices and could increase to $401m, if Philippine Airlines exercise all its purchase rights for the newly finalised order.  

“The Q400 aircraft is the ideal solution for the airline as it develops its domestic operations network from secondary hubs and increases intra-island connectivity.”

The delivery of the five Q400 aircraft is scheduled throughout the next year.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said: “With the lowest seat-mile costs in the regional aircraft market, the extra-capacity, two-class Q400 aircraft will offer Philippine Airlines significant opportunities to differentiate itself competitively.

“The Q400 aircraft is the ideal solution for the airline as it develops its domestic operations network from secondary hubs and increases intra-island connectivity.”

Bombardier has so far received 571 firm orders for the Q400 jet, which is available with both single-class and two-class configuration.

Philippine Airlines president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said: “As we strive to become a top-rated airline, the Q Series family of aircraft has enabled us to develop our business model into one which efficiently meets our domestic route requirements while providing our passengers with a full-service onboard experience."

The carrier currently serves 30 destinations in Philippines and more than 43 destinations worldwide.


Image: A Q400 aircraft in Philippine Airlines’ livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.