Deal Could Bring The Airline's Total Number Of Bombardiers To 11

Bombardier Aerospace announced Friday that Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, has placed a firm order for two Q400 NextGen high speed turboprop airliners. The airline has also taken an option for an additional Q400 NextGen airliner.

Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract is valued at approximately $60 million which could increase to $92 million if the option is exercised. Air Niugini’s current fleet includes two Bombardier Dash 8-100 aircraft (one is configured as a freighter), three 36-seat Q200 and three 50-seat Q300 aircraft.

Formed in 1973, the airline serves 23 domestic points plus ten international routes in Asia, Oceania and Australia. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft follows in the footsteps of a long line of robust and reliable de Havilland and Bombardier turboprops that have served our airline very well over the years,” said Wasantha Kumarasiri, Chief Executive Officer, Air Niugini. “The aircraft’s ‘hot and high’ capabilities and its ability to operate on shorter runways are especially important for our route network, while its speed, fuel-efficiency, low emissions and comfortable cabin were also key factors in our selection.”

“Air Niugini has been a respected customer since the early 1980s when the airline acquired three 50-seat de Havilland Dash 7 aircraft,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are naturally delighted that the airline continues to be loyal to our products.”

Bombardier has now recorded firm orders for 363 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. As of July 31, 2009, 257 of these had been delivered to customers. Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft are in service with, or have been ordered by more than 30 operators in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

FMI: www.bombardier.com