Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry signs deal for 30 Bombardier Q400s

Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry Co has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Bombardier Aerospace to acquire 30 firm Q400 NextGen jets, as it prepares to launch commercial airline operations in China through a new airline, Sutong Airlines.

To be based in Nantong, Jiangsu, Sutong Airlines will operate an all-Bombardier fleet of Q400 NextGen aircraft when it begins operations in 2015.

Based on list prices, a firm order of 30 Q400 NextGen airliners is valued at about $995m.

Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry Co president Zhou Binzhen said: "Bombardier’s Q400 NextGen airliner fulfils our business plan requirement for a high-performance regional aircraft that is fast, reliable, economical and comfortable."

The Q400 NextGen turboprop, the successor to Bombardier’s Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft, is optimised for short-haul operations.

The 70 to 86-seat Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop, and provides a balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced carbon footprint, according to Bombardier.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "We are thrilled that Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation is looking to the Q400 NextGen aircraft to establish Sutong Airlines’ operations, and we look forward to supporting the up-and-coming airline in supplying regional air transportation service that will allow ease of movement within China."

As of 30 September, Bombardier had secured 476 firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops.

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Image: The Q400 NextGen turboprop is optimised for short-haul operations. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.