STAYING BUSY
Bombardier has landed another order for more Q400 Nextgen planes,
Australia’s Qantas Airways has placed a firm order for three Bombardier Q400 NextGen planes, which are built at the Downsview plant.
The purchase means Qantas will operate a fleet of 31 Q400 turboprops, which have been used for Qantas’s regional expansion over the past five years.
Based on list prices, though airlines often get discounts, Bombardier said the contract for the 70- to 80-seat plane is valued at $98 million (U.S.)
“Qantas is a valued longtime Bombardier customer for more than 20 years,” said Bombardier spokeswoman Marianella de la Barrera. “We are absolutely pleased that Qantas has once again decided to go with the Q400 NextGen aircraft. It’s a testament to the aircraft’s unmatched economics, reduced fuel burn and low operating costs.”
To date, Bombardier has taken firm orders for a total of 463 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft.
WestJet Airlines, which is launching a regional airline this summer, has also chosen the Q400 turboprop. It has a firm order for 20 planes, with an option for 25 more.
WestJet Encore, which will take two planes in June, is expected to fly to smaller markets not served by WestJet. Passenger demand is not enough to fill its traditional Boeing 737 aircraft, but becomes financially viable with the Q400.
WestJet had been expected to make an announcement on destinations next week, but it is now expected in February, though officials say startup remains on track.
It will either begin operations around its Calgary hub or Toronto hub. Dozens of cities across Canada have been lobbying for WestJet. Brandon Mayor Shari Decter Hirst said residents of her Manitoba city are eagerly waiting to hear as the airport currently does not have any passenger service.