Air Côte d’Ivoire places firm order for two Bombardier Q400s

Bombardier Aerospace and Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national carrier of Ivory Coast, have signed a firm purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen jets.

The deal follows a conditional purchase agreement signed on 18 November during the Dubai Airshow; the order includes options for two more aircraft.

The value of the contract for the two firm-ordered Q400 NextGen aircraft is $69m, and will increase to $141m if the two options are converted to firm orders.

During the airshow, Air Côte d’Ivoire chief executive officer René Decurey said the dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for the airline’s market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into its fleet.

"We will capitalise on the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s outstanding performance, including its high-speed and long-range cruise capability, as we look to modernise our fleet and expand our domestic and regional route network.

"Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficient Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost-effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations."

Bombardier Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional aircraft currently comprise 50% of the fleet of 37 to 120-seat jets in Africa, with about 160 aircraft in service, or on order.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "We’re delighted to be contributing to Air Côte d’Ivoire’s growth strategy, and look forward to helping the airline launch service with its Q400 NextGen aircraft."

The aircraft maker has received 480 firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops, with the latest order from Air Côte d’Ivoire.

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Image: Q400 NextGen aircraft in Air Côte d’Ivoire’s livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.