Bombardier has announced two orders for the Q400 from African carriers at the Dubai Air Show, with orders from Air Côte d’Ivorie and from lessor Palma Holdings for aircraft destined for Ethopian airlines.
The order for Air Côte d’Ivorie consists of 2 firm orders and 2 options. “The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into our fleet,” said Rene Decurey, Chief Executive Officer, Air Côte d’Ivoire. “Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficientQ400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations.”
Palma Holding Limited has order 4 Q400s with 4 options, with Ethiopian Airlines as the initial Q400 customer for the leasing company based in Dubai. Ethiopian is already a Q400 operator, with current fleet of 13 Q400s.
Separately, Bombardier announced that Ethiopian Airlines has become an authorized Q400 service center. Ethiopian offers airframe, engine and component overhaul capabilities from its base in Addis Ababa. This should strengthen Bombardier’s already strong presence in the African market.
