Bombardier’s NextGen Q400 model has received a sales boost following the first orders its the manufacturer’s higher capacity NextGen Q400 model and up to eight from aircraft leasing company Palma.
The commitment from Thai low-cost regional carrier Nok Air for two of the new generation models and purchase rights for another four aircraft sees the airline become the launch customer for the 86-seat version of Bombardier’s popular turboprop, the announcement made at this week’s Dubai Airshow.
The additional seating capacity gives the Q400 NextGen aircraft an advantage of up to seven per cent fuel burn per seat and an overall operating seat cost advantage of up to 17 per cent compared to its closest turboprop competitor, Bombardier claims.
Meanwhile Middle East-based lessor Palma will allocate the four firm-order NextGenQ400s to Ethiopian Airlines, becoming the first lessor in the region to lease the NextGen model. Palma has also optioned four additional Q400s.
