Skyjet Airlines (MSJ, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has taken delivery of its first ATR72-500, RP-C7868 (msn 748), and plans to add a further two of the type to expand its network in the Philippines, Aviation Updates Philippines has reported.

The 12.8-year-old turboprop, formerly operated by Stobart Air (Dublin International), was ferried from storage at Mönchengladbach in early February and arrived at Manila Ninoy Aquino International on February 8, 2020. It is the first turboprop for Skyjet Air which also operates three BAe 146-200s and has one inactive BAe 146-100 in storage.

According to "credible" sources cited by the local aviation news website, Skyjet Air will not phase-out the BAe Systems quadjets for the time being given their larger cargo capacity in comparison to the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional aircraft. The airline will use the turboprops to launch scheduled domestic flights from underserved destinations.

The carrier, which describes itself as "boutique leisure airline", currently operates from Manila to Camiguin, Basco, and Busuanga. It will launch flights to Del Carmen (Siargao) on March 29, 2020.

Going forward, Skyjet Air is contemplating adding Davao and Panglao to its network.