Bombardier Aerospace announced today that fast-growing Porter Airlines of Toronto has placed a firm order for two Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The transaction involves the conversion of two of the six options announced by Bombardier along with Porter’s firm order for four Q400 NextGen aircraft on August 6, 2010.

Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the order announced today is valued at approximately $61 million US.

The two aircraft will increase the total number of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft ordered by Porter to 26; 20 of these are already in service.

Porter Airlines began operations from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in October 2006, with two aircraft and two destinations. The airline, which currently serves 16 destinations in Canada and the United States, celebrated its 100,000^th flight on March 11, 2011 with special guests and passengers at St. John’s International Airport prior to the flight’s departure.

“Bombardier’s Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have been perfect for our operations based at Toronto’s downtown airport,” said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. “Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have a reduced environmental impact, and they are also fast and comfortable for our passengers.”

“In just four and a half years, Porter Airlines has become Canada’s third-largest scheduled airline with a combination of the right aircraft and a devotion to passenger care and comfort,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are very proud that Bombardier’s Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have played a pivotal role in Porter’s success story.”

Bombardier press release