Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has firmed up options for seven more Q400s/DHC-8-400s bringing its total Bombardier Aerospace (BBA, Montréal Trudeau) order book backlog to twelve of the type. The seven were included as purchase rights in the Filipino carrier's original order for five firm order Q400s placed in December last year.

“As we position ourselves for growth, we are pleased to be adding more Q400 to our fleet,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines. “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.”

The flag carrier of the Philippines is expected to take delivery of the world’s first dual-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft in July 2017.

At present, it operates five Q400s through its PAL Express (2P, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) subsidiary on flights throughout the Philippines.