On board PAL’s Q400 turboprop

CEBU , Philippines  – There was a time when turboprops belonged to the roster of aircraft with the noisiest cabins.

But those days are gone, thanks to Montreal-based Bombardier for coming up with the Q Series of airplanes — Q for quiet; and thanks to Philippine Airlines (PAL) for bringing the newest in that series — the next generation Q400 turboprop to the Philippines.

“It’s so quiet, I fell asleep,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines John Holmes said as he narrated his experience on board PAL’s Q400 in a briefing here.

Holmes was part of a group of dignitaries, Bombardier executives, government officials, and other PAL guests including The Star who attended a special flight from Manila to here, the Queen City of the South for the Q400’s inaugural flight from Cebu to Caticlan.

At 6:30 a.m. Tuesday last week, soon after the sun rose, the Q400 left Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

On board, guests immediately noticed the inviting interior — fresh, clean and sleek. The smell of new leather seats pervaded the air. The overhead bins are large enough to accommodate two airline-standard roller bags.

The windows are large, maximizing natural light and improved LED lighting, which further enhance the spacious interior.

PAL’s Q400 has 86 seats and has a dual-class cabin, the first in the turboprop market. Those seated in the premium economy class will enjoy the comfort of the “first-in and first-out” privilege.

And surprisingly, the economy class seats have enough legroom even for taller passengers.

The seats may also be reclined to provide additional comfort.

Of course, the best part is that passengers get to enjoy a quieter cabin, thanks to a system called the “active noise and vibration suppression system.” This results in noise levels lower than those of some jets.

How is this possible?

According to Bombardier, the system has computer activated tuned vibration absorbers that counter the vibration and that there is a propeller electronic control for reduced noise.

Furthermore, there is an “acoustic curtain and enhanced interior design standard that combines contemporary styling with superior ergonomics and functionality.”

All this results in customer comfort. One proof of this quieter cabin is that you are able to talk to your seatmates without raising your voice, unlike in previous generations of turboprops. And the true test is that you are able to fall asleep.

PAL’s 86-seater has only one lavatory but Aman Koccher, Bombardier director for sales told The Star that this usually isn’t a nuisance because the Q400 commuter planes are just for short-haul flights.

Holmes congratulated PAL for being the brand ambassador of the new generation Q400 in the region.

Koccher said indeed PAL is making history with its delivery of the Q400.

“For many years, the Q400 aircraft have helped airlines around the world expand their networks, and capture new opportunities. In fact, more than 500 Q400 aircraft like this one take to the skies around the world every day. But today, it is the first time that a Q400 aircraft configured with 86 seats and two classes takes to the skies – enabling airlines to meet increasing passenger demand! Thanks for being part of the Q400 history,” he said during the send-off ceremony.

Four more Q400s will be delivered this year and seven until 2019, putting PAL a step closer in its goal reclaim the top spot in the domestic market, said PAL Express president Bonifacio Sam during the send-off ceremony. 

“The 12 next-generation Q400s will enable us to mount new domestic routes while offering full service that comes from the Heart of the Filipino. We will also be able to expand inter-island operations so we can reclaim our domestic market position,” Sam said.

Upon landing at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the new aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute, a tradition for planes mounting inaugural flights or those marking its first touchdown in a certain airport.

From Bombardier’s Toronto facility, the aircraft journeyed on a five-day, seven-country swing, with Capt. Anthony Larena, leading the team.