South Africa-based CemAir has finalised a $66m order with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft to purchase two new Q400 turboprop aircraft.

The letter of intent (LoI) of the newly confirmed order was signed on 21 June at the 2017 Paris Air Show.

Once delivered, the new Q400 planes are expected to increase CemAir’s current fleet of Bombardier aircraft to 17 units that include five Q Series turboprops and 12 CRJ Series aircraft.

“The Q400 is a fantastic performer especially in our environment of high altitudes and hot operating temperatures.”

CemAir has also recently added a used Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft on lease to its fleet.

CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen said: “CemAir has enjoyed significant growth in the last few years and this has come from our focused approach of selecting the right aircraft for our operation.

“The Q400 is a fantastic performer, especially in our environment of high altitudes and hot operating temperatures.

“It is really an unbeatable turboprop that brings so many jet-like features to ensure a competitive and operational advantage in our market.”

CemAir also expects to expand its scheduled and charter operations with the new Q400 aircraft.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Middle-East and Africa Sales vice-president Jean-Paul Boutibou said: “The Q400 will open several market opportunities to CemAir on domestic and future regional routes.”

According to Bombardier, Africa is estimated to receive 550 new aircraft and the company is well equipped to serve this growing market.

Bombardier currently has 190 Q Series turboprops with more than 35 Q Series operators and CRJ regional jets in operation or on order from customers in the continent.