Bombardier Welcomes Africa's Congo Airways to the Q400 Turboprop Family of Operators

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 4, 2016) - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today welcomed Kinshasa-based Congo Airways, the flag carrier of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the family of Q400 aircraft customers and operators.

The airline, which started operations in October 2015, joined the Q400 aircraft family when it launched service with a previously owned 76-seat aircraft that was acquired from a third party.

"Since our inception, we have been looking at aircraft that would allow us to access new routes and destinations that are not currently serviceable by the larger aircraft in our fleet. The technologically advanced Q400 turboprop will help us open routes, increase passenger traffic and contribute to the Democratic Republic of the Congo's overall economy and development," said Claude Kirongozi, Chief Executive Officer, Congo Airways. "The Q400 aircraft complements our fleet portfolio, growth strategy and operations, while providing excellent passenger comfort."

"We welcome Congo Airways to the Bombardier family and congratulate the airline on the entry-into-service of its first Q400 aircraft," said Colin Bole, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "In Africa's hot, topographically diverse landscape, the Q400 aircraft has consistently proven that it has the capabilities needed to operate effectively and efficiently. The Q400 aircraft's speed allows it to cover large distances with jet-like performance while maintaining the most competitive operating cost per seat. With arid environments in the north; humid conditions in the sub-Saharan regions; and challenging airports located at higher elevations or with unpaved runways, a diverse group of African operators is finding that the Q400 aircraft is an adaptable platform and an excellent asset."

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 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 6.7 million flight hours and has transported more than 413 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 547 Q400 aircraft.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's largest 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 North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier

Notes to Editors

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