Ethiopian Airlines orders five more Bombardier Q400 aircraft

24 Jun, 2017: Ethiopian Airlines has signed a firm purchase agreement for five additional Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. The deal value is estimated to be US$ 162 million.

“Our relationship with Ethiopian Airlines extends beyond straight buyer-seller. Ethiopian is an authorised service facility for Q400 aircraft and operates the only Q400 aircraft flight simulator in Africa. Also, we have worked together to support other Q400 aircraft operators such as RwandAir and Congo Airways, said Colin Bole, Senior VP, Commercial, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.”

Pointed out Tewolde GebreMariam, group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, “We are reordering the Bombardier Q400 turboprop as it is the core element in serving our expanding domestic and regional destinations. Its 360-knot speed capability, low operating costs, environmental credentials and passenger comfort, especially with its cabin flexibility for single and dual-class passenger configuration are worth mentioning. The Q400 aircraft shines regarding climb rate, single-engine ceiling, and greater revenue-producing payload capability from our hot weather, high-altitude airstrips, these performance attributes being critical to interchangeability with our jet fleet.”

Ethiopian Airlines’ initial order for eight Q400 aircraft plus four options was announced in November 2008. Four re-orders directly and through Palma Capital, including the one announced on June 9, increase the airline’s Q400 aircraft fleet to 24 aircraft, the largest in Africa.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft already has a solid foothold on the African continent with over 190 Dash 8/Q Series turboprops – including over 35Q Series operators – and CRJ regional jets in operation or on order from customers. Over the next two decades, Africa is expected to take deliveries of 550 new aircraft, and with Bombardier’s family of aircraft. Bombardier has now recorded a total of 585 Q400 aircraft on firm order.