Cebu Pacific Air of the Philippines became the launch customer for the new high-density cabin version of the ATR 72-600 with an order for 16 of the twin turboprops. In a Paris Air Show announcement, the European airframer (Chalet 343) said that the deal includes options for an additional 10 aircraft, which would take its value to $673 million.

The airline is renewing its existing fleet of ATR 72-500s, which are to be retired. The new aircraft will feature the new high density Armonia cabin, with 78 slim-line seats and wider overhead bins with 30 percent more storage space.

Separately, Sweden-based Braathens Aviation signed a contract for 5 ATR 72-600s and options for 10 more, to replace its aging Saab 2000 fleet and deliveries will start at the end of 2015; and Air New Zealand, having received its 7th ATR-600 (pictured) here at the show yesterday, confirmed that it had ordered an additional ATR 72-600, taking its total order-tally for the type to 14.