Philippine Airlines (PAL) has firmed seven options for the Bombardier Q400, taking its orderbook for the turboprop type to 12.
Dating from a purchase agreement signed in October 2016, the Q400s will be used to replace older turboprops in the Manila-based carrier's fleet, as well as for growth.
Jaime Bautista, chief executive of PAL, says that the expansion will allow it to win a larger share of its domestic market.
"We used to be the only carrier in the Philippines, but with the arrival of the low-cost carriers in the early 2000s, they have grown faster than we have.
"The management of Philippine Airlines believes that we should get back the market share we used to own."
PAL's Q400s will be configured in a two-class, 86-seat layout, for which it is the launch customer. Its premium-economy seats will have a 33in pitch, while the economy-class seats are at 29in.
Deliveries are due to begin next month, with the initial five aircraft all arriving this year. Another five will be handed over from March 2018, with the remainder arriving in the latter part of 2019.
Bombardier values the order at $235 million at list prices.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
