Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Australian flag carrier, Qantas Airways Ltd. has placed a firm order for seven Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The aircraft will be operated by Qantas’ wholly owned regional airline, QantasLink.

Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract is valued at approximately $218 million US.

This order will increase to 28 the number of Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners operated by QantasLink. The airline also operates two Bombardier Dash 8-200, three Q200 and 16 Q300 aircraft.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the Q400 aircraft had become the flagship of QantasLink’s regional fleet.

“Qantas has invested over A$600 million in 21 Bombardier Q400 aircraft over the last four years,” he said.

“The aircraft really suits QantasLink’s operations and is extremely popular with the airlines customers.”

“We have therefore made the decision to acquire another seven aircraft for delivery from the first half of 2011. These new aircraft are next-generation Q400 aircraft with upgraded cabin interiors and larger overhead compartments.”

“Qantas has deployed the Q400 and Q400 NextGen the way its designers intended,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “These aircraft have replaced or complemented jet services, replaced smaller and older turboprops, reached out to new markets and extended the range beyond typical turboprop distances, and all this with the most comfortable and most cost-competitive aircraft in its class.”

Source: Bombardier