Bombardier and Nok Air of Thailand Sign Purchase Agreement for up to Eight Q400 NextGen Aircraft in New Extra Capacity Seating Configuration

Q400 NextGen turboprop can now accommodate up to 86 passengers

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that low-cost Thai carrier Nok Air has placed a firm order for two Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners and has also taken options for two additional Q400 NextGen aircraft, as well as purchase rights on four others. Bombardier also confirmed that Nok Air will be the launch customer for a new extra capacity seating option, which will allow the Q400 NextGen aircraft to accommodate up to 86 passengers.

Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGen airliner, the firm order is valued at approximately $63 million USD. The value could increase to $258 million USD should Nok Air exercise its options and purchase rights.

“Nok Air strives to offer to all the freedom to fly as a convenient and affordable means of transportation, yet with the fun and friendly Thai hospitality we are known for,” said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer, Nok Air. “With an unmatched balance of speed, payload, low maintenance costs and superior comfort, the Q400 NextGen aircraft will allow us to operate more efficiently, as we enhance service on current routes and expand to new destinations. This flexibility will make point-to-point regional air service more accessible to Thai people, in addition to stimulating provincial economic growth.”

“We are delighted that Nok Air will not only be the first to operate the Q400 NextGen aircraft in the Southeast Asia region, but also be the launch customer for our new extra capacity option,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Specifically tailored to airlines looking at further increasing the productivity of their aircraft, the extra capacity seating option enables the Q400 NextGen aircraft to offer increased revenues and flexibility, as well as best-in-class seat mile costs.”

“The extra capacity seating option will give the Q400 NextGen aircraft an advantage of up to 7 per cent fuel burn per seat and an overall operating seat cost advantage of up to 17 per cent compared to its closest turboprop competitor,” added Torbjorn Karlsson, Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As demand for domestic and regional travel in Southeast Asia accelerates, our extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft will ensure airlines are well positioned to offer increased capacity while enhancing their profitability. We look forward to welcoming many more Q400 NextGen aircraft operators in the region.”