QantasLink fleet expansion
21-Jul-2010 Qantas and Bombardier Aerospace today announced that they have finalised a contract for the purchase of seven new Q400 NextGen aircraft to be delivered by Bombardier from 2011 for operation by Qantas’ regional airline subsidiary QantasLink.
The transaction is an exercise of Qantas options.
Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract is valued at approximately US$218 million.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said the Q400 aircraft had become the flagship of QantasLink's regional fleet.
"Qantas has invested over A$600 million in 21 Bombardier Q400 aircraft over the last four years," he said.
"The aircraft really suits QantasLink's operations and is extremely popular with the airline's customers.
"We have therefore made the decision to acquire another seven aircraft for delivery from the first half of 2011. These new next-generation Q400 aircraft will be equipped with upgraded cabin interiors and larger overhead compartments."
This investment represents a significant commitment to the Qantas Group's regional operations and will allow QantasLink to increase capacity on existing routes and investigate further network growth.
"Bombardier Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners are replacing or complementing jet services, replacing smaller and older turboprops, and reaching out to new markets while providing a superb passenger experience and cost-competitive advantage to operators," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
Launched in March 2008, the Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most recent development in the evolution of the Q400 aircraft, and the advanced successor to the Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft. It provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.
Including the order announced today, Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 385 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft and as of April 30, 2010, 300 had been delivered. Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft are now in service with more than 30 airlines and other operators.