Cargo Operator To Purchase Five Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace welcomed last week's announcement that Nord-Flyg of Eskilstuna, Sweden has launched a Q400 PF (Package Freighter) program with two previously- owned aircraft, which will be re-configured by Cascade Aerospace of Abbotsford, British Columbia. Nord-Flyg said it had also signed a Letter of Intent to acquire three additional Q400 PF aircraft from a third party.

The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to Nord-Flyg in the last quarter of 2008 for its overnight package delivery services in Europe.

"The Q400 PF aircraft will fill a gap because there is no other turboprop in the freight business that offers a 360-knot (667 km/h) speed and can comfortably fly more than the 700 nautical miles (1,296 km) required for our operations" said Ulf Darenius, President, Nord-Flyg. "Based on current fuel prices, the Q400 PF aircraft will save us approximately US $1.8 million based on an annual utilization of 1,200 hours, compared to a jet of similar size. Air Navigation and weight-related charges are also anticipated to be 30 per cent less than those faced by the jet."

"Nord-Flyg is convinced that the Q400 PF aircraft will be welcomed by the industry because of its ability to perform at jet-like speeds on both long- and short-haul route segments," Mr. Darenius continued. "Our fleet of competitive and efficient Q400 PF aircraft will open up an entirely new segment in freighter operations."

As a Package Freighter, the Q400 PF aircraft will have a maximum payload of 19,800 pounds (8,981 kg). With an 18,519-pound (8,400 kg) payload, the Q400 PF aircraft can fly 1,120 nm (2,075 km) at long-range cruise speed.

"In addition to its firefighting role with Securite Civile in France, this is the second conversion of a Q400 aircraft into a non-airline configuration, although Dash 8-Q100/200/300 aircraft are flying specialized missions all over the world. This illustrates the versatility of the basic design and engineering of the aircraft," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Now we welcome Nord-Flyg to the Q400 aircraft family and wish them every success."

As of April 30, 2008, Bombardier had delivered 200 Q400 aircraft to operators around the world.

FMI: www.bombardier.com