Bomberdiar

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has partnered with Canada-based airline Air Inuit to begin work on a passenger-to-freighter conversion programme for Q300 turboprop aircraft.

Currently operating ten Q300 turboprops, Air Inuit will be the launch customer for the conversion programme.

The carrier’s existing fleet includes 25 aircraft.

As part of the programme, a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) will be developed under license by a specialised third party.

Air Inuit vice-president and chief operating officer Christian Busch said: "With its excellent airfield performance, especially on gravel runways, the Q300 aircraft is well-adapted for remote operations like those required to support Canada’s resource industries and Northern Communities.

"The Q300 aircraft has served us well in our passenger, charter and cargo operations in Nunavik and other markets for many years, and we look forward to enhancing our cargo services with three Q300 large cargo door freighters."

"The passenger-to-freighter conversion will offer an outstanding opportunity for additional utilisation of the robust, reliable platform that the Q300 aircraft provides."

With an expected capacity to accommodate 12,500lb of cargo, the converted Q300 plane will feature an optimised cargo door with the capacity to carry palletised and free load cargo.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft customer services vice-president and general manager Todd Young said: "The cost-effective Bombardier Q Series aircraft continue to prove their high value with more than 150 operators around the world.

"The passenger-to-freighter conversion will offer an outstanding opportunity for additional utilisation of the robust, reliable platform that the Q300 aircraft provides."

More than 1,100 Q series aircraft are currently in service worldwide in several applications, including cargo service, medical evacuation, corporate transport, airways and navigation aid calibration, as well as navigator training and maritime patrol.

Last November, Bombardier signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and was involved in talks with Abu Dhabi Aviation to work towards establishing Abu Dhabi Aviation as an authorised service facility (ASF) for Q series aircraft.

Image: Q300 LCD freighter in Air Inuit’s livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.