Canadian carrier WestJet has converted the last nine of its original 25 options on Bombardier Q400 turboprop regional airliners to firm orders.
The aircraft are scheduled for delivery to WestJet Encore, WestJet’s regional airline wing, between April 2017 and June 2018.
On June 1, 2016, WestJet converted options on nine Bombardier Q400 turboprop regional airliners, bringing its total purchases of the type to 45 aircraft. Its regional airline wing WestJet Encore operates all of WestJet’s Q400s
With the conversion of these options, WestJet Encore will have a fleet of 45 Q400s by the end of 2018. AT present the airline has no further options for more Bombardier Q400s.
Based on the list price for the Q400, Bombardier Aerospace values WestJet’s latest Q400 order at US$293 million.
“The conversion of these options aligns with the WestJet Encore strategy of measured and profitable growth of our regional airline,” says Ferio Pugliese, president of WestJet Encore.
“These aircraft will be put to good use and will contribute significantly to our mission to grow new markets and solidify our network and schedule coast-to-coast,” adds Pugliese.
“In just three years WestJet Encore’s operations have grown from two Q400 aircraft serving just two cities, to 28 aircraft serving 36 destinations in Canada and the U.S. With this order, WestJet Encore has 17 aircraft still to be delivered which will allow further expansion of the airline’s network,” says Kevin Smith, vice president, regional aircraft for Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
In less than three years, WestJet Encore has gone from 10 daily departures to some 170 daily departures, serving 36 destinations in Canada and the United States.
There are more than 60 owners and operators of Bombardier Q400s, in almost 40 countries.
The worldwide Q400 fleet has logged more than 6.9 million flight hours and has transported more than 429 million passengers, according to Bombardier Aerospace.
Bombardier has now recorded firm orders for a total of 556 Q400 aircraft.
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