Deal Is For Up To Eight Q400 NextGen Aircraft In New Extra Capacity Seating Configuration

Low-cost Thai carrier Nok Air has placed a firm order for two Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners and has also taken options for two additional Q400 NextGen aircraft, as well as purchase rights on four others. Bombardier also confirmed that Nok Air will be the launch customer for a new extra capacity seating option, which will allow the Q400 NextGen aircraft to accommodate up to 86 passengers.

Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGen airliner, the firm order is valued at approximately $63 million USD. The value could increase to $258 million USD should Nok Air exercise its options and purchase rights. "Nok Air strives to offer to all the freedom to fly as a convenient and affordable means of transportation, yet with the fun and friendly Thai hospitality we are known for," said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer, Nok Air. "With an unmatched balance of speed, payload, low maintenance costs and superior comfort, the Q400 NextGen aircraft will allow us to operate more efficiently, as we enhance service on current routes and expand to new destinations. This flexibility will make point-to-point regional air service more accessible to Thai people, in addition to stimulating provincial economic growth."

"The extra capacity seating option will give the Q400 NextGen aircraft an advantage of up to 7 per cent fuel burn per seat and an overall operating seat cost advantage of up to 17 per cent compared to its closest turboprop competitor," added Torbjorn Karlsson, Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "As demand for domestic and regional travel in Southeast Asia accelerates, our extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft will ensure airlines are well positioned to offer increased capacity while enhancing their profitability. We look forward to welcoming many more Q400 NextGen aircraft operators in the region."

The Q400 NextGen turboprop is the most recent development in the evolution of the Q400 aircraft and the advanced successor to Bombardier's Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft. Optimized for short-haul operations, the "comfortably greener," 70- to 86-seat Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.

(Q400 image from file)

FMI: www.bombardier.com