Article from BTNews 6 AUGUST 2018
Q400 certified for 90 seats
Indian carrier SpiceJet will become the first airline to benefit from Bombardier Commercial Aircraft receiving certification from Transport Canada for its 90-passenger Q400 configuration.
It makes the aircraft the first in-production commercial turboprop in the world to reach that capacity. SpiceJet is lead customer after placing an order last year for up to 50 for its fleet.
Bombardier says the 90-seat configuration represents another step in its continuous improvement programme for the Q400 aircraft, aimed at addressing traffic growth and customer bottom line.
Other improvements under development includes a 2,000lb increase in payload capacity and an escalation of the A-Check and C-Check intervals from 600/6,000 to 800/8,000 flight hr.
Q Series programme head Todd Young said: “With increasing growth in the number of passengers per departure in the turboprop market, we are excited to offer a higher-capacity configuration and 15% lower cost per seat compared to the previous standard Q400.
“This will lead to more profitability potential for airlines and the certification again showcases the versatility of the Q400 turboprop and our continued commitment to the evolution of the programme.”
Young said the new segment solution was perfectly adapted to high-demand turboprop markets and would further enhance economic connectivity between smaller towns and major hubs.
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