Q400_AirBaltic

Danish aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has signed a firm purchase agreement with Bombardier to purchase four Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners in a deal worth $134.77m, based on list prices.

The four new jets, which will be operated by Latvian flag carrier airBaltic, will join eight Q400 NextGen airliners ordered directly from Bombardier as the airline transitions to an all-Bombardier fleet.

The order increases NAC’s aircraft leasing portfolio to 43 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Nordic Aviation Capital chief executive officer Kim Graven-Nielsen said: "Our knowledge and experience continue to position us exceedingly well to offer a diverse range of aircraft leasing solutions, including sale and leaseback, operating leases and finance leases," Nielsen said.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said that the continued industry support from NAC was further evidence that leasing companies recognise the in-flight performance and reliability of the Q400 NextGen turboprop and CRJ1000 NextGen regional jetliner.

"We look forward to increased activity involving the aircraft leasing community as we strive to help our customers meet their business goals in a challenging economic environment," Arcamone said.

In December 2012, airBaltic announced that it was in the process of transitioning to an all-Bombardier fleet of CSeries and Q400 NextGen aircraft.

"We look forward to increased activity involving the aircraft leasing community as we strive to help our customers meet their business goals in a challenging economic environment."

The carrier had placed a firm order for ten CS300 aircraft with an option for an additional ten CS300 airliners.

These aircraft will be used to replace ageing fleet of 50, 120 and 144-seat jet and turboprop aircraft.

Designed for short-haul routes, the new Q400 NextGen turboprop configuration can accommodate 70 to 80 passengers, and offers operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.

Built at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the aircraft is a successor to Bombardier’s Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft.

To date, Bombardier has logged 467 firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft and the delivered aircraft are in service with more than 40 operators in more than 30 countries on five continents.

Image: A Q400 NextGen aircraft in airBaltic’s livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

Defence Technology