TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today announced the delivery of its first 90-seat Q400 aircraft. The aircraft was handed over to India's SpiceJet Limited ("SpiceJet") the launch operator for the extra-capacity, 90-seat aircraft.
"We are excited to induct the 90-seat Q400 aircraft into our fleet," said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. "The additional seats and performance improvements will result in substantial reduction in unit costs and also we will enable us to address our market needs in the regional space."
"The delivery of the first 90-seat Q400 aircraft showcases the commitment of Bombardier's Q Series turboprop program to respond to customer requirements as they address traffic growth in regional markets," said Todd Young, Head of the Q Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
"I thank and congratulate the employees and suppliers who have worked tirelessly to deliver this most recent enhancement to the Q400 aircraft, and I also thank our customer, SpiceJet for its strong support and collaboration in this continuous improvement program."
"This is a very important milestone for the Q400 aircraft program because the 90-seat option demonstrates the increased profitability potential that this unique turboprop has to offer," said
Colin Bole, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The increased passenger capacity allows 15 per cent reduction of seat cost compared to the previous standard Q400 aircraft and provides an enormous benefit for airlines. We are thrilled that SpiceJet will be the first operator to showcase the unique capabilities and unbeatable productivity of our turboprops."
About SpiceJet Ltd
SpiceJet is India's favourite airline that has made flying affordable for more Indians than ever before. SpiceJet operates 412 average daily flights to 54 destinations, including 47 domestic and 7 international ones. The airline connects its network with a fleet of 36 Boeing 737NG and 22 Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The majority of the airline's fleet offers SpiceMax, the most spacious economy class seating in India.
SpiceJet also operates a dedicated air cargo service under the brand name SpiceXpress offering safe, on-time, efficient and seamless cargo connectivity across India and on international routes. SpiceJet is the first Indian airline to offer end-to-end cargo services and the airline's freighters fleet consist of Boeing 737 aircraft.
SpiceJet's standing as the country's favourite airline has been further reinforced by the multiple awards and recognitions which includes the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Award to Ajay Singh, , Global 'Low-Cost Leadership Award' conferred to Mr Singh at the Airline Strategy Awards 2018 in London, 'BML Munjal Awards 2018' for 'Business Excellence through Learning and Development', 'Best Domestic Airline' Award at Wings India 2018, 'EY Entrepreneur of the year 2017 for Business Transformation' by Ernst & Young, The CAPA Chairman's Order of Merit for fastest turnaround in FY 2016, 'Asia's Greatest Brands - 2016', 'Global Asian of the Year Award' & 'Asia's Greatest CFO 2016' at the AsiaOne Awards held in Singapore, 'World Travel Leaders Award' at WTM London, 'Best Check- in Initiative' award by Future Travel Experience global awards in Las Vegas, 'Best Domestic Airline' award at the 10th ASSOCHAM International Conference & Awards (Civil Aviation & Tourism).
About Bombardier
With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchangeor follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to Editors
Images of Q400 aircraft in the livery of SpiceJet are posted with this news release at www.bombardier.com.
The Q400 aircraft backgrounder is available in the BCA Media Hub
For information about SpiceJet, visit: www.spicejet.com
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Bombardier, Q400 and Q Series are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For Information
Nathalie Scott
Communications and Public Affairs
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
+1 416-375-3030
bca_press@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c544b583-1d93-4887-9938-9919934aac60
