As part of the fifth leg of its world tour, Bombardier Aerospace’s technologically advanced Q400 NextGen airliner has landed in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China. Following successful demonstration flights and static displays in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Q400 NextGen airliner – painted in its special “Get More” livery – will take media, government officials and potential customers, on a series of demonstration flights in China, Japan and Mongolia.

“Bombardier predicts that over the next 20 years, China’s fleet of commercial aircraft will grow as it becomes the world’s second largest market for new aircraft deliveries, following closely behind the United States. The overall fleet of 20- to 149-seat aircraft in China is forecasted to grow by 300 per cent over the next 20 years,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.  “The Q400 NextGen aircraft’s fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, low operating cost, reduced environmental impact and passenger-pleasing interior make it an outstanding solution for local airlines and leasing companies looking at growing hubs and connections between major regional and industrial cities as well as tourist destinations.”

Bombardier forecasts a demand for almost 2,400 commercial aircraft in the 60- to 149-seat segment in China and is working closely with local airlines, suppliers and stakeholders to assist in fleet and infrastructure expansion. Starting from a small base, the 20- to 149-seat segment will reach 2,540 units in China in the next 20 years, with the strongest demand in the 100- to 149-seat segment with 1,440 units, and 870 units in the regional aircraft (60- to 99-seat) segment.

Currently, more than 100 Bombardier Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets are in service in China, Japan and Mongolia.

“Bombardier Aerospace recently engaged a dedicated team to work with China’s aviation industry – following closely with the central government’s plan to support its own domestic aircraft and industry. We’re positioning ourselves to complement China’s domestic products,” said Albert Li, General Manager and Head of Bombardier Aerospace, China. “For this reason, we are pleased to welcome the Q400 NextGen aircraft on its tour of the region. Additional expansion into this region is a key initiative for Bombardier as it continues to establish long-term relationships with the growing Chinese aviation market and airlines.”

Bombardier has booked firm orders for 428 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners. The delivered aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 177 million passengers and have logged more than 3.2 million flight hours and over 3.5 million take-offs and landings.

Source and photo: Bombardier