Indian Carrier Increasing Its To Increase Its Fleet Of Q Series Turboprops

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced At 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 $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.

(Image provided with Bombardier news release)

FMI: www.bombardier.com