Bombardier Kicks Off Q400 NextGen Airliner Demonstration Flights in the Latin American Region at FIDAE Air Show in Chile

Bombardier Aerospace’s technologically advanced Q400 NextGen airliner will start a series of demonstration flights in Chile and Peru around the 2012 FIDAE airshow where the aircraft will be on static display in Santiago, Chile. The air show is the largest in Latin America and runs from March 27 to April 1.

The Q400 NextGen aircraft, which features a custom “Get More” livery that reflects its outstanding performance, economics, passenger comfort and environmental consciousness, will also travel to Peru after the air show.

“The demonstration flights will provide many opportunities to showcase our Q400 NextGen aircraft to potential customers who are eager to experience the airliner first-hand,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President, Americas Sales, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft’s fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, low-cost operation, reduced environmental impact and onboard passenger experience, position it as an outstanding solution for regional air transport in Latin America.

“In addition, the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s high rate of climb, single-engine service ceiling and optional drop-down oxygen system are important factors that contribute to its suitability for Chile and other mountainous regions,” added Mr. Smith.

Latin America is experiencing robust economic growth that is projected to continue with the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics being held in Brazil. These major international sporting events are spurring regional growth, including investment in secondary aviation infrastructure, and the development of low-fare carriers, providing wider access to affordable air travel.

Some low-fare carriers have started utilizing smaller regional jet and turboprop aircraft to access secondary or tertiary markets. Starting from a base of nearly 1,000 commercial aircraft located in the region currently, Bombardier’s 20-year commercial aviation market forecast projects deliveries of 1,000 units in the 20- to 149-seat category to Latin America and the Caribbean (including Mexico) through 2030. More than 60 per cent of the deliveries are expected to be in the 100- to 149-seat segment, while most of the remainder will be in the 60- to 99-seat segment, according to the forecast. Currently, more than 60 Bombardier Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets are in service in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Bombardier has booked firm orders for 428 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners. The delivered aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 177 million passengers and have logged more than 3.2 million flight hours and over 3.5 million take-offs and landings

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