India Airline SpiceJet Takes Delivery Of First 90-Seat Bombardier Q400 Turboprop

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India airline SpiceJet made history in mid-September by taking delivery of the first 90-seat Q400 turboprop commercial aircraft from Bombardier. SpiceJet average about 415 daily domestic and international flights using a mixed fleet of Bombardier Q400s and Boeing aircraft. (Photo courtesy of Bombardier.)

India airline SpiceJet recently became the first recipient of a Bombardier extra-capacity 90-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft. The companies announced a purchase agreement last year valued at $1.7 billion for SpiceJet to receive up to 50 Bombardier Q400s. Besides the 90-seat Q400, Bombardier manufacturers the aircraft in 78- and 86-seat configurations.

Bombardier, which introduced the Q400 to its Q Series in 2016, reports that 60-plus owners operate Q400s in over 90 countries, logging 8 million flight hours and transporting 500 million passengers. In addition to the Q Series aircraft, Bombardier produces CRJ Series commercial and Learjet, Challenger, and Global business aircraft.

SpiceJet Livery

According to Bombardier, SpiceJet averages 412 daily flights to 47 domestic and seven international destinations via its fleet of 22 Bombardier Q400s and 36 Boeing 737NG aircraft. Most of the aircraft in SpiceJet’s fleet offer SpiceMax, “the most spacious economy class seating in India.” SpiceJet also operates a dedicated air cargo service dubbed SpiceXpress.

Ajay Singh, SpiceJet chairman and managing director, says the Q400’s extra seats and performance improvements will help SpiceJet see a “substantial reduction in unit costs” and enable the airline to “address our market needs in the regional space.” Todd Young, who heads the Q Series Aircraft Program, says the SpiceJet delivery demonstrates Bombardier’s commitment to help customers address traffic growth in regional markets. Colin Bole, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft senior vice president, meanwhile, adds that the 90-seat Q400’s increased capacity enables “15% reduction of seat cost” vs. previous standard Q400s and “provides an enormous benefit for airlines.”

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In addition to the extra-capacity 90-seat Q400, Bombardier also manufacturers 78- and 86-seat Q400 models. The company says more than 60 owners globally operate Q400s in more than 90 countries. The aircraft has logged 8 million flight hours and transported 500 million passengers, Bombardier says. (Photo courtesy of Bombardier.)

Fuel Consumption Saved

The Q400 uses two PW150A turboprop engines, offers a 1,100-nautical mile (2,040-kilometer) range and 360 KTAS (667 km/h) maximum cruise speed, and can operate at airfield evaluations reaching 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). Bombardier says the aircraft offers a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to jets it often replaces.

If you’re searching for pre-owned Bombardier aircraft for sale, Controller.com offers listings for numerous used Bombardier Q400s and Challenger, Learjet, and Global aircraft.

Source: Bombardier

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