TrueNoord leases two Dash 8-400 aircraft to P..

TrueNoord is leasing two new Dash 8-400 aircraft to Philippine Airlines on long-term operating lease agreements.

The aircraft mark the first Dash 8-400 aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada to enter service in TrueNoord’s portfolio and has been financed within the new $360 million warehouse facility which was announced last October and is underwritten by Citibank, Société Générale and Royal Bank of Canada.

The Dash 8-400 aircraft will enter PAL’s commercial service in February and be based at Clark International Airport flying domestic routes throughout the Philippine archipelago of over 7,600 islands.

PAL President and COO Gilbert Santa Maria said: “These brand-new Dash 8-400s join our fleet at a time of flourishing passenger demand for affordable flights across our domestic network, and even on cross-border routes to Malaysia and Indonesia. We look forward to exploring the exciting opportunities that these aircraft will bring in terms of passenger comfort and operational efficiency.  We anticipate a long and successful co-operation with TrueNoord and De Havilland Canada.”

Anne-Bart Tieleman, CEO, TrueNoord commented: “The Dash 8-400 aircraft is known as the “network builder” due to its short take-off and landing capabilities and efficient regional operations, so it was the perfect choice for Philippine Airlines to service their expanding route network and increasing passenger demand for regional connectivity.

“We are keen to broaden our options within the turboprop segment of our fleet and these Dash 8-400 aircraft bring our total up to sixteen out of a fleet comprising 47 aircraft including Embraer and Bombardier regional jets.”