Investec Bank Joins Q400 NextGen Aircraft Family Following Lease Agreement with Thailand's Nok Air

Leasing companies increasingly recognizing the Q400 NextGen turboprop as a high-quality asset

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft officially welcomed Investec Bank plc (“Investec”) to the family of Q400 aircraft lessors as Thai premium low-cost carrier Nok Air and the international bank and asset manager closed the sale and leaseback of two extra capacity Bombardier Q400 NextGen airliners. The 86-seat aircraft recently joined the carrier’s fleet as part of a purchase agreement for up to eight Q400 NextGen turboprops, six of which are firm.

Investec was established in 1974 and its current market capitalization is approximately £3.6 billion GBP ($5.63 billion US).

“Our business plan has always been focused on serving the needs of select markets where we can compete effectively, supported by a client-centric approach and an ability to be nimble, flexible and innovative,” said Ramki Sundaram, Head of Aviation, Investec. “Bombardier’s new-technology Q400 NextGen turboprop, with its remarkable operational flexibility and passenger comfort, as well as Nok Air’s customer focus and creative market leadership, are in perfect alignment with Investec’s strategy and vision. We are extremely pleased with our purchase, and delighted to support Nok Air’s growth.”

“We are glad to welcome Investec as yet another lessor to the Q400 aircraft program. With its capability to be easily configured and retrofitted in various seating and cargo arrangements – extra capacity seating for unbeatable operating seat cost advantage, cargo-passenger combi for increased payload capability, and dual-class for superior comfort – the Q400 NextGen turboprop has gained further in value retention and liquidity,” said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“Leasing companies are increasingly recognizing the outstanding versatility, in-service performance and reliability of the Q400 NextGen aircraft, making it an attractive financing and leasing opportunity as well as a high-quality asset,” he added.