Plane Success For Bombardier

A Canadian airline is to back home-grown commerce with news that Bombardier Aerospace has signed a deal with Porter Airlines of Toronto to acquire four Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners.

It has also taken options on an additional six Q400 NextGen aircraft which is good news for east Belfast too as Canadian-based Bombardier's local 'Shorts' plant in Belfast Harbour Estate produces fuselage sections and wing mounted flight components for the Q400.

Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, Porter’s firm order is valued at approximately $120 million US, which could increase to $308 million US should all six options be converted to firm orders.

The four aircraft will increase Porter's fleet of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft to 24.

"Bombardier's Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft's quiet comfort, fuel-efficiency and lower environmental footprint help us to deliver on our 'flying refined' brand promise, and they continue to be the ideal aircraft for our operations based at the urban Billy Bishop Toronto City

Airport," said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines.

"Porter Airlines is one of Canada's airline success stories, and more importantly, Porter has succeeded in the face of challenging economic conditions, proving that with the right aircraft and a devotion to quality passenger care, adverse economic conditions can be overcome," said

Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners are also a global success story, and this additional order is a testament to their reliability and operational flexibility."

Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 389 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft, and as of April 30, 300 had been delivered. The aircraft are in service with 30 operators worldwide.

(BMcC/GK)