Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Nok Air of Bangkok, Thailand announced today the delivery of the carrier’s first Q400 NextGen turboprop at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the aircraft is manufactured. The milestone aircraft, the first Q400 NextGen airliner to be delivered in the new extra capacity seating configuration, is part of Nok Air’s purchase agreement for up to eight Q400 NextGen airliners that was announced on November 19, 2013. Following the exercise of options and purchase rights, Nok Air has firm orders for six Q400 NextGen aircraft and retains two purchase rights from the original contract.

The extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft, the only commercial turboprop available today to offer 86 seats, provides an overall operating seat cost advantage of up to 17 per cent compared to its closest turboprop competitor.

“We are very excited to not only be the first to operate the Q400 NextGen turboprop in Thailand, but also the launch operator for the extra capacity seating configuration,” said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer, Nok Air. “We always aim to lead through continuous innovation to offer our passengers an unsurpassed experience, and our new Q400 NextGen aircraft will enable us to serve more passengers comfortably and conveniently, as well as expand to new destinations profitably.”

“With the lowest seat-mile costs in the short-haul regional market and unmatched operational flexibility, the Q400 NextGen turboprop is the ideal complement to Nok Air’s growth strategy,” said Frank Baistrocchi, Regional Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are confident that Nok Air will successfully showcase the flexibility and adaptability of the extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft as it makes point-to-point regional air service more accessible to an increased number of travelers in the region.”

“The technologically advanced Q400 NextGen turboprop and its all-new extra capacity configuration will increase the carrier’s competiveness in a bullish local market; we are very pleased to welcome Nok Air to the family,” added Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

Bombardier press release