Planemaker Also Launches Cargo-Passenger 'Combi' Q400 Variant

Bombardier's new variant of the Q400 NextGen aircraft which features additional seating capacity has flown for the first time.

Thailand's Nok Air is the launch customer for the new extra capacity seating option of the Q400 NextGen turboprop. This option will allow the aircraft to accommodate up to 86 passengers. Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen airliner, the firm order is valued at approximately $66 million.

“Central to our dynamic fleet growth strategy is the operation of the most reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft in the industry,” said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer, Nok Air. “In that sense, the extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft, with its unbeatable economics and high speed, is the most suitable turboprop for Nok Air.

“The Q400 NextGen airliner will play a major role in our domestic development, but also in our international expansion as we look at new destinations such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia – areas with airports not serviceable by jets but easily accessible with the Q400 turboprop,” Sarasin said.

Bombardier Aerospace also launched a brand-new version of its versatile Q400 NextGen aircraft at Farnborough this week ... a cargo-passenger combi configuration that will deliver the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment.

The cargo-passenger combi Q400 NextGen aircraft is available in various configurations. In the lay-out that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 8,200 lb. of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch. The combi Q400 NextGen turboprop’s “Class C” cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry’s latest regulations.

“The combi Q400 NextGen aircraft provides unique opportunities for airlines operating routes with medium to low passenger loads, but with high cargo potential,” said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Along with the recently launched dual class and extra capacity options, the combi option illustrates Bombardier’s ongoing investment in the Q400 NextGen aircraft program and offers airlines unmatched operational flexibility in short-haul markets. The Q400 NextGen aircraft is now well positioned to reinvent once again the contemporary turboprop market through additional profitable growth.

“We are also pleased to confirm that we are in advanced discussions with a number of customers interested in the combi variant,” he added.

(Pictured: First flight of extra-capacity Q400 from Bombardier YouTube video)

FMI: www.bombardier.com