Regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord has delivered the second of two new Dash 8-400 aircraft to Philippine Airlines (PAL), placed on long-term operating lease agreements.

“The Dash 8-400 aircraft enter PAL’s commercial service at a time when the airline is seeing burgeoning demand for affordable flights” commented Carst Lindeboom, Sales Director Asia Pacific for TrueNoord.

“Its short take-off and landing capabilities support efficient regional operations,” he said, calling it a “perfect choice” for the airline to serve its domestic and cross-border route network, and to meet “increasing passenger demand for regional connectivity.”

Commenting on the growth of regional flight capability across South East Asia, Lindeboom said TrueNoord’s fleet presence across the region has seen a significant increase in the past 12 months, adding: “In fact, the Asia region is booming. We have recently placed our third ATR72-600 with US-Bangla in Bangladesh and currently have several development programmes under discussion with leading carriers throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

This order with Philippines Airlines marks the first Dash 8-400 aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited to enter TrueNoord’s portfolio, and these aircraft join the lessor’s expanding fleet which includes ATR, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft.

Highlighting the features of the Dash 8-400, Lindeboom said: “We know that in addition to Philippine Airlines, other airlines in the region will benefit from the greater flexibility that this new aircraft can deliver. We are willing to support other airlines to introduce the Dash 8-400 to their fleets.”