Bombardier Commercial Aircraft celebrated today with Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd (RAC) of Okinawa, Japan as the airline unveiled two of its Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft during a special ceremony held at the Japan Transocean Air Maintenance Center at Naha Airport, Okinawa. RAC, the launch customer of the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft, is a member of Japan Airlines Group (JAL) and the Q400 aircraft unveiled today are the first two of five ordered by the airline in the cargo-passenger combi configuration.

RAC’s Q400 combi aircraft each provide up to 5,600 lb. (2,540 kg) of cargo capacity and comfortably accommodates 50 passengers. Inaugural tours of the aircraft were provided for guests that included representatives of the Okinawa prefectural government.

The airline, which also operates four Bombardier Q100 and one Q300 aircraft, provides domestic passenger services from the islands of Okinawa.

“Since 1997, RAC has been a strong champion of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft that has served as the backbone of our regional network operations,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter. “As we approach 20 years of profitable and efficient operations, we are proud to grow our fleet and be the first airline to launch service with the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft. Today marks an important milestone in our continued collaboration with Bombardier and sets the stage for the next chapter of our growth strategy serving Okinawa’s business and leisure hubs.”

“It is an honor to celebrate the official unveiling of the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft right here in RAC’s backyard,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.  “RAC — with its forward-thinking and innovative insight – sought Bombardier’s help to address a particular business requirement, and the unique Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft is the result of that collaboration. The aircraft now offers new opportunities in the regional aircraft market for cargo-passenger transportation.”

Bombardier press release