Abidjan-based carrier Air Côte d’Ivoire has signed a conditional purchase agreement for two Bombardier Q400 NextGen regional airliners and taken options on two more.
Bombardier Aerospace announced the deal from Air Côte d’Ivoire ‒ which is the national airline of Ivory Coast ‒ on November 18, at the Dubai Airshow 2013.
On November 18, 2013, on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2013, Bombardier Aerospace announced a conditional order from Air Côte d’Ivoire for two Bombardier Q400 NextGen regional turboprops. The airline also took options on two more Q400 NextGens
If Air Côte d’Ivoire firms its conditional order for the two Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, Bombardier says the contract would be worth US69 million at list price. Should the airline convert its two options to firm orders, the contract value would increase to US$141 million.
“The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into our fleet,” said René Decurey, chief executive officer of Air Côte d’Ivoire.
“We will capitalize on the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s outstanding performance ‒ including its high speed and long-range cruise capability – as we look to modernize our fleet and expand our domestic and regional route network,” said Decurey.
Decurey added: “Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficientQ400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations.”
“We are proud that Bombardier is contributing to the growth strategy of Air Côte d’Ivoire, and that the carrier could potentially double the size of its current fleet with Q400 NextGen aircraft as it further develops its network of short- and medium-haul destinations,” said Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
“The Q400 NextGen aircraft is performing superbly in diverse environments around the world with some 50 customers and operators, and we are delighted to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to our family,” added Arcamone. “Bombardier Commercial Aircraft continues to perform well in Africa, where we have captured 100 per cent market share over more than two years in the large turboprop segment.”
According to Bombardier, its regional aircraft Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets have captured a 50 per cent share of the fleet of 37-to-120-seat aircraft on the African continent. Approximately160 aircraft are in service, or on order, by more than 50 operators.
As of September 30, Bombardier had booked firm orders for 476 Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops.
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