TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 31, 2014) - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that low-cost carrier Nok Air of Thailand has converted two previously booked Q400 NextGen aircraft options to firm orders. The options were acquired under a contract announced on November 19, 2013 that also included two firm-ordered aircraft and four purchase rights. At that time, Bombardier also confirmed that Nok Air would be the launch customer for the new extra capacity seating option of the Q400 NextGen turboprop that will allow the aircraft to accommodate up to 86 passengers.
Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGen airliner, the firm order is valued at approximately $64 million US.
"With its recent aircraft purchases and newly sealed partnerships, Nok Air is at a crossroad to become a major player in Southeast Asia's low-cost carrier arena," said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer, Nok Air. "The extra capacity Q400 NextGen turboprop, with its jet-like speed, will not only be highly profitable to our operations but will also bring added productivity and flexibility to our expanding network."
"We are delighted that Nok Air is once again placing its trust in Bombardier, and this only a few months after signing its initial order," said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Today's agreement further solidifies Nok Air's position as the launch customer for the Q400 NextGen aircraft in the new extra capacity seating configuration, which boasts up to a 17 per cent seat-cost advantage for operators compared to its closest turboprop competitor.
"The Q400 NextGen airliner's best-in-class seat mile costs and superior flexibility ideally complement Nok Air's growth strategy, and we are honoured to support the carrier's long-term development," added Mr. Jones.
About Q400 NextGen aircraft
The Q400 NextGen aircraft, which is built at Bombardier's Toronto, Ontario facility, is the most recent development in the evolution of the Q400 aircraft, an all-new design that entered service in 2000 to address the needs of the evolving market. Optimized for short-haul operations, the Q400 aircraft is large, fast, quiet and fuel efficient. It provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint. Its extra capacity configuration provides seats for up to 86 passengers.
The Q400 airliner is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency. The aircraft therefore delivers the best flexibility and overall operating economics in its market segment, allowing airlines to successfully deploy it in a variety of markets ranging from typical short-haul turboprop markets to longer-haul jet replacement opportunities.
Including Nok Air's order, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 493 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers, and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in over 30 countries on five continents.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to editors
Images of Q400 NextGen aircraft, and additional information on the Q400 NextGen aircraft, are available at www.q400nextgen.com
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