TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 27, 2012) - As part of the fifth leg of its world tour, Bombardier Aerospace's technologically advanced Q400 NextGen airliner has landed in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Following successful demonstration flights and static displays in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Q400 NextGen airliner - painted in its special "Get More" livery - will take media, government officials and potential customers, on a series of demonstration flights in China, Japan and Mongolia.
"Bombardier predicts that over the next 20 years, China's fleet of commercial aircraft will grow as it becomes the world's second largest market for new aircraft deliveries, following closely behind the United States. The overall fleet of 20- to 149-seat aircraft in China is forecasted to grow by 300 per cent over the next 20 years," said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The Q400 NextGen aircraft's fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, low operating cost, reduced environmental impact and passenger-pleasing interior make it an outstanding solution for local airlines and leasing companies looking at growing hubs and connections between major regional and industrial cities as well as tourist destinations."
Bombardier forecasts a demand for almost 2,400 commercial aircraft in the 60- to 149-seat segment in China and is working closely with local airlines, suppliers and stakeholders to assist in fleet and infrastructure expansion. Starting from a small base, the 20- to 149-seat segment will reach 2,540 units in China in the next 20 years, with the strongest demand in the 100- to 149-seat segment with 1,440 units, and 870 units in the regional aircraft (60- to 99-seat) segment.
Currently, more than 100 Bombardier Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets are in service in China, Japan and Mongolia.
"Bombardier Aerospace recently engaged a dedicated team to work with China's aviation industry - following closely with the central government's plan to support its own domestic aircraft and industry. We're positioning ourselves to complement China's domestic products," said Albert Li, General Manager and Head of Bombardier Aerospace, China. "For this reason, we are pleased to welcome the Q400 NextGen aircraft on its tour of the region. Additional expansion into this region is a key initiative for Bombardier as it continues to establish long-term relationships with the growing Chinese aviation market and airlines."
Bombardier has booked firm orders for 428 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners. The delivered aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 177 million passengers and have logged more than 3.2 million flight hours and over 3.5 million take-offs and landings.
About Q400 NextGen aircraft
The Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner, which is built at Bombardier's Toronto, Ontario facility, is the most recent development in the evolution of the Q400 aircraft, and the advanced successor to Bombardier's Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft. Optimized for short-haul operations, the "comfortably greener," 70- to 80-seat Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.
The Q400 NextGen aircraft features an enhanced cabin environment with the introduction of LED lighting, new ceiling panels, dished window sidewalls and larger overhead luggage bins. These features, combined with the aircraft's Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system, provide an excellent cabin experience for passengers.
Setting new environmental standards, the Q400 aircraft uses 30 to 40 per cent less fuel and produces 30 to 40 per cent fewer emissions on routes where it has replaced similar-capacity, older jets. The Q400 aircraft's maximum cruise speed of 360 knots lets the aircraft fly on demand-driven interchangeable schedules with jets. But, throttle back to 280 knots and the Q400 aircraft is as fuel efficient as any other turboprop on a per-seat basis, while still maintaining some speed advantage.
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, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to editors
Images of the Q400 NextGen aircraft in its "Get More" livery are available in the press releases section at: www.bombardier.com. Additional photos and videos will be available at www.flickr.com/bombardieraerospace and youtube.com/bombardiervideos.
Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace and to follow the progress of the Q400 NextGen airliner on its world tour.
Bombardier, CRJ, Dash 8, NextGen, Q400 and Q-Series are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contact Information:
Marc Duchesne
+1-416-375-3030
www.bombardier.com