• Transaction is a conversion of options that will increase the Canadian carrier’s fleet to 45 Q400 aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Calgary-based WestJet Encore Ltd. has signed a firm order for nine Q400 turboprops. The transaction is a conversion of options booked by the airline’s parent company WestJet and will increase WestJet Encore’s fleet to 45 Q400 aircraft.

Based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, the transaction is valued at $293 million US.

“Bombardier’s Toronto-built Q400 turboprop airliner has allowed us to expand from our Western Canada base to more and more communities from coast to coast across Canada and into the U.S. and welcome more guests to experience WestJet’s hospitality,” said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. “These nine new superb Q400 aircraft will continue to grow our network.”

“In just three years WestJet Encore’s operations have grown from two Q400 aircraft serving just two cities, to 28 aircraft serving 36 destinations in Canada and the U.S. With this order, WestJet Encore has 17 aircraft still to be delivered which will allow further expansion of the airline’s network,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President, Regional Aircraft, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This continuing build-up of WestJet Encore’s fleet is a strong testimonial to the Q400 aircraft’s economics, reliability, flexibility and passenger appeal.”

About the Q400 Aircraft
Designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. In addition to the standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; in an optional extra-capacity configuration offering up to 90 seats for higher-density markets; and in a cargo-passenger combi configuration.

Thanks to its combination of turboprop attributes, jet-like features, industry-leading passenger experience and environmental footprint, the Q400 aircraft is exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to a variety of business models. By offering a 30 per cent reduction in fuel burn over the jets it often replaces, the Q400 aircraft radically reduces carbon emissions and increases cost efficiency. Its high-speed cruise — 160 km/h faster than conventional turboprops — places the aircraft’s flight time within minutes of jet schedules, at the same seat cost as larger single-aisle jets. Its large propellers operate at a lower RPM, generating more power with less noise and making it a friendly option for city centres.

The Q400 aircraft family includes over 60 owners and operators in almost 40 countries. The worldwide fleet has logged more than 6.9 million flight hours and has transported more than 429 million passengers. Long recognized as a high-value asset by operators, the Q400 aircraft is now also attracting growing interest from the leasing community.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 556 Q400 aircraft.

Press release Bombardier