• Bombardier and Falcon Aviation Services continue expansion of the Q400 airliner fleet in Africa

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today welcomed Accra, Ghana-based Aero Surveys Limited (“Starbow”) to the family of Q400 aircraft customers and operators. Starbow became the first Ghana-based operator of the Q400 turboprop when it launched service with a Q400 NextGen aircraft wet-leased from Falcon Aviation Services LLC (“Falcon”) of Abu Dhabi. The aircraft is one of six that Falcon ordered from Bombardier in 2014.

Starbow has joined more than 50 owners and operators of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft worldwide, and has become the 18^th 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 Starbow re-emphasizes the collaboration arranged under the MOU.

“In collaboration with Falcon, we are thrilled to have launched operations with the Q400 NextGen aircraft – the most technologically advanced 60- to 90-seat turboprop available today,” said, Eric Antwi, Chief Executive Officer, Starbow.  “Our fleet renewal strategy will be well served by this modern, reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft, and we look forward to expanding our regional route network. In addition, we anticipate that our passengers will appreciate the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s quiet, comfortable cabin.”

“Starbow’s operation is yet another successful placement of the Q400 NextGen aircraft in sub-Saharan Africa and we are delighted to be collaborating with the airline in launching service from Ghana,” said Captain Mahmoud Ismael, Chief Operating Officer, Falcon Aviation Services. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to prove its operational capability in Africa’s hot, topographically diverse landscape. The aircraft’s performance in the arid environments in the north; humid sub-Saharan regions; and at challenging airports such as those at high elevations or with unpaved runways, is a true testament to its value, making it an excellent asset in our portfolio.”

“Operators of Q400 NextGen turboprops continue to capitalize on the aircraft’s outstanding performance, and we are especially encouraged by the Q400 aircraft’s success in Africa, where we continue to be the market leader in the 20- to 99-seat turboprop segment,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.  “We are very happy to welcome Starbow to our family of owners and operators and wish the airline the very best for its future growth and development.”