Ethiopian’s Fourth Order for Bombardier Q400 Turboprop Airliners
Q400 critical for Ethiopian’s expansion plans in Africa
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise is the previously undisclosed customer that signed a firm purchase agreement for five additional Q400 turboprop aircraft. Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the contract is valued at approximately $162 million US.
“Our relationship with Ethiopian Airlines extends beyond straight buyer-seller,” said Colin Bole, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Ethiopian is an Authorized Service Facility for Q400 aircraft and operates the only Q400 aircraft flight simulator in Africa. In addition, we have worked together to support other Q400 aircraft operators such as RwandAir, Congo Airways and Air Tanzania.”
“We are reordering the Bombardier Q400 turboprop as it is the core element in serving our expanding domestic and regional destinations,” said Tewolde GebreMariam, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines. “No other turboprop airliner matches its 360-knot speed capability, low operating costs, environmental credentials and passenger comfort, especially with its cabin flexibility for single and dual-class passenger configuration. The Q400 aircraft shines in terms of climb rate, single-engine ceiling, and greater revenue-producing payload capability from our hot weather, high altitude airstrips, these performance attributes being critical to interchangeability with our jet fleet.”
“The airline market in Africa has been growing slowly but steadily as the industry is becoming more liberalized and the infrastructure to support the growth is being put in place,” said Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Airlines in Africa are working very hard to modernize their operations to meet the challenges of tomorrow and we are committed to helping with the aircraft and technical support they require.”
Ethiopian Airlines’ initial order for eight Q400 aircraft plus four options was announced on November 20, 2008. Four re-orders directly and through Palma Capital, including the one announced on June 9, increase the airline’s Q400 aircraft fleet to 24 aircraft, the largest in Africa.
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft already has a solid foothold on the African continent with upwards of over 190 Q Series turboprops – including over 35 Q Series operators – and CRJ regional jets in operation or on order from customers. Over the next two decades, Africa is expected to take deliveries of 550 new aircraft, and with Bombardier’s family of aircraft, the company is well positioned to serve this growing market.
Bombardier has now recorded a total of 585 Q400 aircraft on firm order.
Longtime Bombardier operator in India to increase its fleet of Q Series turboprops to support regional expansion strategy
SpiceJet will become newest customer of extra-capacity, 86-seat Q400 aircraft
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today from the International Paris Air Show, that it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with SpiceJet of Gurgaon, India for up to 50 Q400 turboprop airliners. The LOI includes 25 Q400 turboprops and purchase rights on an additional 25 aircraft. Based on the Q400 turboprop list price, an order could be valued at up to US $ 1.7 billion.
“We are proud to sign this agreement as it is another demonstration of the Q400’s superiority in the turboprop market. When finalized, the repeat order will increase the Q400 aircraft fleet in the fast-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region and will launch the high-density 86-passenger model of the Q400 aircraft in India,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This is also compelling evidence that the demand for turboprop aircraft is healthy in short-to medium-haul markets that can’t economically support jets that are more expensive to operate.”
“I am delighted that we will be acquiring 50 Q400 planes. SpiceJet operates India’s largest regional fleet and is the only organized operator in this space. The acquisition will help us further increase connectivity to smaller towns and cities and help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring that every Indian can fly. Our passengers will be able to fly to more cities and help expand India’s already booming aviation market,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet.
“I congratulate SpiceJet on this announcement. This latest announcement by SpiceJet, which has been an enthusiastic supporter and participant of India's regional connectivity scheme, will help further take forward the government’s vision to provide air connectivity to the common man. It is also a testament to the huge demand for air travel in the smaller towns and cities of India,” said RN Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
“The Q400 is the largest turboprop aircraft available on the market and the 86-seat configuration will support SpiceJet develop its domestic operations from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India,” said François Cognard, Vice President, Sales, South-Asia and Australasia. “Our continued partnership sets the stage for a brighter future, and years of profitable and efficient operations for SpiceJet.”
Since 2010, SpiceJet has taken delivery of 15 Q400 aircraft. The airline currently operates 20 Q400 aircraft in a 78-seat configuration to domestic and international destinations. When concluded, this fleet expansion will provide SpiceJet the ability to grow profitably and leverage the robust demand forecast in the world’s fastest growing regional aviation market.
Bombardier’s Q Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets have made significant advances in the Asia-Pacific region where approximately 190 aircraft – including more than 165 Q Series turboprops -- are in service with or on order by over 25 customers and operators.
Bombardier’s customer support network for commercial aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region includes Regional Support Offices in Delhi, Narita (Tokyo), Sydney, Beijing and Shanghai, as well as Parts Depots in Sydney, Beijing and Singapore. Operating from the company’s regional office located in Singapore, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s sales and marketing team is well positioned to provide industry-leading solutions to its current and prospective customers.
Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 585 Q400 aircraft.
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