Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a letter of intent (LoI) to acquire “up to 12” Bombardier Q400 regional turboprops, the Canadian OEM announced Oct. 14.

The aircraft will be the first in Bombardier’s new two-class, high-density 86-seat configuration to enter service. The aircraft will have 10 “premium service” seats.

Bombardier previously announced an 86-seat variant, but with a single-class cabin.

"As Philippine Airlines looks to develop its domestic operations from secondary hubs and increase intra-island connectivity, the 86-seat Q400 aircraft…will increase the carrier's competitiveness by offering the lowest seat-mile and operating costs in the regional aircraft market," Bombardier’s VP sales, SE Asia and Australasia, François Cognard said.

"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," Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president, Fred Cromer, added.

"The 86-seat Q400 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,” Cromer said.

"For close to a decade, the Bombardier Q Series family of aircraft has been instrumental in evolving our domestic network operations," said PAL’s president and COO Jaime Bautista. "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 five-star-rated airline, the Q400, featuring a modern and innovative configuration, will be instrumental in providing our travellers with a world-class, in-flight passenger experience."

Bombardier has more than 25 customers in the Asia Pacific region for its Dash 8/Q Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets, including more than 165 Dash8/Q Series turboprops in service, or on order.