Bombardier

Germany-based Air Berlin has signed a deal with GE Capital Aviation Services’ (GECAS) Regional Aircraft Group to lease three new Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.

GE Capital Aviation Services will deliver the first aircraft in September and the remaining two in October and November.

With the new aircraft, Air Berlin’s Q400 aircraft fleet will increase to 20 units. Air Berlin currently runs a fleet of 150 planes.

The three aircraft are part of an existing GECAS order book of five aircraft with Bombardier announced in 2014.

Air Berlin CEO Stefan Pichler said: "The Bombardier Q400 turboprop is a perfect choice for our regional routes.

"It has replaced jets on thin routes that do not require the capacity of larger jets.

"The demand for economical turboprops continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Air Berlin."

"It allows us to increase frequencies on some routes at less cost than a jet, it flies point-to-point between smaller city pairs and it feeds our major hubs.

"It does all of these things economically, reliably, and with the environmental sensitivity that is vital in Europe."

Under the new Q series of aircraft, the Q400 provides both single-class and dual-class interior configuration, with an optional capacity to carry up to 86 passengers.

According to Bombardier, the Q400 aircraft can be personalised to several business models and burns 30% less fuel than other jets.

GECAS CEO Alec Burger said: "The demand for economical turboprops continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Air Berlin.

"Air Berlin recognises the many qualities the Q400 aircraft offers in terms of operating efficiencies, performance and economics."

Since its establishment in 2000, GECAS Regional Aircraft Group has leased 400 turboprop and regional jet aircraft such as ATR, Bombardier and Embraer to various airlines worldwide.

Image: Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.