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SpiceJet to get the bigger, 90-seat Q400 aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft secures the largest single order of 50 Q400 turboprop aircraft from SpiceJet, in a deal valued at $1.7 billion

Published: Sep 29, 2017 02:53:05 AM IST
Updated: Sep 29, 2017 07:08:34 PM IST

SpiceJet to get the bigger, 90-seat Q400 aircraft

Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Commercial Aircraft on Friday announced that it has concluded a firm purchase agreement with India-listed SpiceJet Limited for up to 50 Q400 turboprop aircraft, making it the largest single order ever for the said aircraft.

The purchase agreement includes 25 Q400 turboprops and purchase rights on an additional 25 aircraft. Based on the list prices, the order is valued at up to $1.7 billion.

At the International Paris Air Show in June this year, SpiceJet had signed a letter of intent with Bombardier for the purchase of the Q400 aircraft. Including SpiceJet’s order, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 610 Q400 aircraft.

Currently, SpiceJet operates 20 Q400 aircraft in a 78-seat configuration on domestic and international routes. But as part of the new order, Spicejet would become the global launch customer of the 90-seat Q400 aircraft.

“This repeat order will not only increase the Q400 aircraft fleet in the fast-growing regional market in India and in the Asia-Pacific region but will also launch the high-density 90 passenger model,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “SpiceJet will be the first airline to take advantage of the profitable and efficient operations that the 90-passenger high-density Q400 will offer them,” added François Cognard, Vice President, Sales, South-Asia and Australasia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

SpiceJet has firm plans of growing its connectivity to smaller towns and cities across India. In this regard, through the union government’s regional connectivity scheme Udan, SpiceJet won bids to fly to 11 regional cities some of which include Khandala, Porbandar, Jaisalmer, Kanpur, and Puducherry.

“SpiceJet has always been a firm believer in the growth story of India’s smaller towns and cities. We have worked hard over the years to put these smaller towns on the country’s aviation map and will strive to keep that momentum going in the times to come,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet.

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