Q400

Lessor Palma Holding has signed a firm purchase agreement with Bombardier Aerospace for four dual-class Q400 NextGen jets, along with options for a further four Q400 NextGen aircraft.

The latest contract, worth nearly $282m, follows a letter of intent to acquire the aircraft that Bombardier announced on 18 November 2013.

Under a joint venture with Ibdar Bank, Palma Holding is planning to lease four of the Q400 NextGen aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines.

"The Bombardier Q400 NextGen fuel-efficient turboprop is optimised for short-haul operations and can accommodate 70 to 86 passengers."

Palma Holding president Moulay Omar Alaoui said: "The addition of the Q400 NextGen airliner to our portfolio will present many exciting business development opportunities for our customers."

The Bombardier Q400 NextGen fuel-efficient turboprop is optimised for short-haul operations and can accommodate 70 to 86 passengers.

It features an ability to operate from unpaved runways, a speed of 360k, a range capability of 1,114nm; and advanced avionics.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "As momentum for the Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to build in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere, we look forward to adding many more operators to the family of 50 that are presently deriving excellent benefits from the aircraft’s operational flexibility, outstanding performance, passenger amenities and environmental credentials."

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

Defence Technology