- First example of collaboration between Bombardier and Falcon Aviation Services to expand the Q400 NextGen airliner fleet in Africa
Toronto, 2014-10-24 — /Travel PR News/ — Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today welcomed Dakar-based Senegal Airlines to the family of Q400 NextGenaircraft customers and operators. Senegal Airlines, the national flag carrier of Senegal, started service today with a Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner wet-leased from Falcon Aviation Services LLC of Abu Dhabi. The aircraft is one of two that were ordered under a firm purchase agreement between Bombardier and Falcon announced in February 2014.
Senegal Airlines has joined more than 50 customers and operators of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft worldwide, and has become the 16th member of the family in Africa.
As announced in July 2014, Falcon and Bombardier have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which they will jointly address the need in Africa for several modern, high-quality aircraft solutions which meet international standards. The entry-into-service of the Q400 NextGen aircraft with Senegal Airlines is the first example of the collaboration arranged under the MOU.
“With the assistance of Falcon, this wonderful Bombardier Q400 NextGen airliner will help us expand our fleet with a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that has proven to be a robust, reliable and flexible performer in sub-Sahara Africa,” said Mayoro Racine, Chief Executive Officer, Senegal Airlines. “Our passengers will appreciate the quiet comfort of its interior, and the aircraft’s speed will permit us to offer a seamless service between it and our larger jet aircraft.”
“We are delighted that we were selected to supply a Q400 NextGen aircraft to support the development of Senegal Airlines’ fleet,” said Captain Mahmoud Ismael, Chief Operating Officer, Falcon Aviation Services. “Safe operations are essential for the further development of the air transport system in Africa and the Q400 NextGen aircraft fits the criteria we have established for this venture. We anticipate more successful placements of Q400 NextGen aircraft into Africa in the near future.”
“Yet another African operator has selected the Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, which has become the most popular new-generation turboprop on the continent,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We look forward to further collaboration with Falcon to expand our presence in Africa.”
Bombardier’s Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets have made significant advances in Africa where approximately 160 aircraft – including more than 50 Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops — are in service, or on order, by approximately 40 customers and operators.
Bombardier’s customer support network for commercial aircraft in Africa includes a Regional Support Office (RSO) and spare parts depot, co-located in Johannesburg, South Africa as well as Authorized Service Facilities in South Africa and Ethiopia. Operating from the company’s regional office located in the United Arab Emirates, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s sales and marketing team is well positioned to provide industry-leading solutions to its current and prospective customers.
A transitional Bombardier manufacturing facility, which produces aircraft structures including flight controls for the CRJSeries aircraft is located in Nouaceur in the Greater Casablanca region in Morocco. Construction of a new, permanent 150,000 square-foot (13,935 square-metre) Bombardier facility in Nouaceur began in September 2013.
About Q400 NextGen aircraft
Optimized for short-haul operations, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.
The Q400 NextGen aircraft is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency. The aircraft’s economics and operational flexibility allow airlines to profitably deploy it in a variety of ways to serve typical short-haul turboprop routes, as well as medium-haul jet markets.
Q400 NextGen aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; an optional extra-capacity configuration with up to 86 seats for high-density markets; and a cargo-passenger combi configuration.
As of September 30, 2014 Bombardier had recorded firm orders for a total of 514 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in close to 40 countries on five continents.
About Senegal Airlines
Senegal Airlines is a partnership between the Senegalese government and the national private sector. The company started its activities on January 25, 2011 and is currently serving 13 countries in Africa. A strategic network plan is being developed with a comprehensive fleet revision to intelligently serve regional and intercontinental routes. Senegal Airlines’ vision is to be “THE West African Airline” from 2015 onwards.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to Editors
Images of Q400 NextGen aircraft in the livery of Senegal Airlines are posted with this press release at www.bombardier.com.
Additional information on the Q400 NextGen aircraft is available at www.q400nextgen.com.
Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace.
Bombardier, NextGen, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For Information
Marianella de la Barrera
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
+1-416-375-3030
marianella.delabarrera@aero.bombardier.com
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Bombardier Commercial Aircraft welcomes Dakar-based Senegal Airlines to the family of Q400 NextGen aircraft customers and operators