Bombardier Demonstrates Again the Unique Versatility of the Q400 NextGen Aircraft by Launching Cargo-Passenger Combi Variant for the Large Turboprop Market

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 15, 2014) - Farnborough International Air Show - Bombardier Aerospace launched today a brand-new version of its versatile Q400 NextGen aircraft, a cargo-passenger combi configuration that will deliver the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment.

The cargo-passenger combi Q400 NextGen aircraft is available in various configurations. In the lay-out that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 8,200 lb. of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch. The combi Q400 NextGen turboprop's "Class C" cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry's latest regulations.

"The combi Q400 NextGen aircraft provides unique opportunities for airlines operating routes with medium to low passenger loads, but with high cargo potential," said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Along with the recently launched dual class and extra capacity options, the combi option illustrates Bombardier's ongoing investment in the Q400 NextGen aircraft program and offers airlines unmatched operational flexibility in short-haul markets. The Q400 NextGen aircraft is now well positioned to reinvent once again the contemporary turboprop market through additional profitable growth.

"We are also pleased to confirm that we are in advanced discussions with a number of customers interested in the combi variant," he added.

About Q400 NextGen aircraft

Optimized for short-haul operations and capable of seating up to 86 passengers, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.

The Q400 NextGen aircraft is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency. The aircraft's economics and operational flexibility allow airlines to profitably deploy it in a variety of ways to serve typical short-haul turboprop routes, as well as medium-haul jet markets.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 499 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in approximately 40 countries on five continents.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

Images of Q400 NextGen aircraft are posted with this press release at bombardier.com

Additional information on the Q400 NextGen aircraft is available at www.q400nextgen.com.

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Bombardier, NextGen, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.