Bombardier

Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) has unveiled Bombardier Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft at the Japan Transocean Air Maintenance Center at Naha Airport, Okinawa.

RAC is the launch customer of the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft.

A member of Japan Airlines Group (JAL), RAC had placed an order for five Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft and received the first two of those ordered.

The Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft delivered to RAC comes with a cargo capacity of 2,540kg and can accommodate 50 passengers.

A provider of domestic passenger services from the islands of Okinawa, RAC already operates four Bombardier Q100 and one Q300 aircraft.

Ryukyu Air Commuter president Takashi Irei said: "Since 1997, RAC has been a strong champion of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft that has served as the backbone of our regional network operations.

"As we approach 20 years of profitable and efficient operations, we are proud to grow our fleet and be the first airline to launch service with the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft."

"Since 1997, RAC has been a strong champion of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft that has served as the backbone of our regional network operations."

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft vice-president for sales in China and North Asia Andy Solem said: "RAC, with its forward-thinking and innovative insight, sought Bombardier’s help to address a particular business requirement, and the unique Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft is the result of that collaboration.

"The aircraft now offers new opportunities in the regional aircraft market for cargo-passenger transportation."

The Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft and is claimed to offer operational flexibility and passenger comfort.

As well as standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; an optional extra-capacity configuration offering up to 90 seats for higher-density markets; and a cargo-combi configuration.


Image: RAC Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.