Ryukyu Air Commuter Unveils Bombardier Q400 Cargo‑Combi Aircraft in Okinawa

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft celebrated today with Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd (RAC) of Okinawa, Japan as the airline unveiled two of its Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft during a special ceremony held at the Japan Transocean Air Maintenance Center at Naha Airport, Okinawa. RAC, the launch customer of the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft, is a member of Japan Airlines Group (JAL) and the Q400 aircraft unveiled today are the first two of five ordered by the airline in the cargo-passenger combi configuration.
RAC’s Q400 combi aircraft each provide up to 5,600 lb. (2,540 kg) of cargo capacity and comfortably accommodates 50 passengers. Inaugural tours of the aircraft were provided for guests that included representatives of the Okinawa prefectural government.
The airline, which also operates four Bombardier Q100 and one Q300 aircraft, provides domestic passenger services from the islands of Okinawa.
“Since 1997, RAC has been a strong champion of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft that has served as the backbone of our regional network operations,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter. “As we approach 20 years of profitable and efficient operations, we are proud to grow our fleet and be the first airline to launch service with the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft. Today marks an 

important milestone in our continued collaboration with Bombardier and sets the stage for the next 

chapter of our growth strategy serving Okinawa’s business and leisure hubs.” 

“It is an honor to celebrate the official unveiling of the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft right here in RAC’s backyard,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “RAC -- with its forward-thinking and innovative insight – sought Bombardier’s help to address a particular business requirement, and the unique Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft is the result of that collaboration. The aircraft now offers new opportunities in the regional 

aircraft market for cargo-passenger transportation.”

Bombardier Delivers its First Q400 Cargo-Combi Aircraft to Okinawa-based Ryukyu Air Commuter

The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd (RAC) of Okinawa, Japan announced today the delivery and acceptance of the very first Q400 cargo-combi aircraft. Manufactured at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the aircraft is one of five ordered by RAC. A member of the Japan Airlines Group, RAC is the launch customer for this new variant of the Q400 aircraft, which features a cargo-passenger combi configuration, and was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014.

“We are very excited to be the launch operator for the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter. “We always aim to offer the highest level of comfort and convenience for our customers and the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the ideal platform for the evolution of our service. Increasing efficient air travel options around Japan’s Okinawa islands will provide strong economic and leisure advantages.”

“With the delivery of our first combi aircraft, we are celebrating a standout accomplishment for the Q400 aircraft program,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Recognized worldwide for its versatility, proven reliability and superior performance, the Q400 aircraft now offers optimum solutions with its single-class, dual-class, extra capacity and combi configurations, and is once again reinventing the modern turboprop market.

“By operating on routes with high cargo demand and medium to low passenger loads, RAC will benefit from the unique economic potential of the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” added Mr. Cromer.

“We are delighted by RAC’s continued confidence in Bombardier’s Q Series aircraft and are thrilled to support the airline’s bold and innovative expansion strategy,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Adding the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft to its growing fleet allows the airline to enrich its intra-Japan network and increase the frequency to remote southern islands where increased cargo capacity and payload is a necessity.”

The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment, and is the only commercial turboprop available today offering various configurations. In the layout that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 9,000 lb. (4082 Kg) of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet (32 cubic metres) of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch, and 58 at 29-inch seat pitch. The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft’s “Class C” cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry’s latest regulations.