Ethiopian Airlines sign a firm order for two Bombardier Q400 Ethiopian Airlines and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft have signed a firm purchase agreement for two additional Q400 turboprop aircraft, that will bring the carrier’s Q400 aircraft fleet to 19 aircraft.
The transaction is valued at approximately $63 million.
Tewolde Gebremariam, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said: “We are continuously working to have the right fleet with agility, optimal range, load and passenger comfort which is critical for us to keep our leadership position in the market. The Q400 aircraft continues to be an integral part of our expansion strategy in Africa.Through our strategic partnerships with ASKY Airlines in Togo and Malawian Airlines in Malawi, the Q400 airliner has played a vital role in availing convenient connections, as well as increasing frequencies to support air travel growth in Africa and successfully create a missing link.”
He added: ”The Q400 aircraft is also our core fleet to our domestic and regional destinations, thereby ensuring excellent passenger experience, operational flexibility and economics. We continue to work with Bombardier to support and maintain the aircraft through our approved Q400 Authorised Service Facility and our Q400 aircraft simulator.”
Also commenting on the development, Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: “The Q400 turboprop continues to make impressive headway in Africa and has proven its ruggedness and reliability in challenging operational environments where its hot and high capability, jet-like speed and high rate of climb are significant assets.”
Cromer added: “Some 69 Q400 aircraft are now in service with more than 20 operators on the continent, and we are delighted with Ethiopian Airlines’ continuing growth and impressive use of the aircraft to satisfy a wide variety of market requirements.”
https://thenationonlineng.net/ethiopian-airlines-bombardier-sign-63m-aircraft-deal/