Lessor Palma Holding Limited Places Firm Order for up to eight Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that lessor Palma Holding Limited (Palma) has signed a firm purchase agreement for four dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft. The agreement, which also includes options for an additional four Q400 NextGen aircraft, follows a letter of intent to acquire the aircraft that Bombardier announced on November 18, 2013. Under a joint venture with Ibdar Bank BSC, Palma intends to lease four of the Q400 NextGen aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines.

Photo Credit: Bombardier Aerospace

As previously announced, based on list price, the contract value for Palma’s transaction covering four Q400 NextGen aircraft and four options is approximately $282 million US.
“The two-class configured Q400 NextGen aircraft provides customers like Ethiopian Airlines with operational flexibility, as well as excellent route and lease structures prospects – we look forward to joining the Bombardier family,” said Moulay Omar Alaoui, President, Palma Holding Ltd. “The addition of the Q400 NextGen airliner to our portfolio will present many exciting business development opportunities for our customers.”

“I am delighted to welcome Palma as the first Middle Eastern lessor for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, and the first lessor worldwide for the aircraft’s dual-class configuration,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As momentum for the Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to build in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere, we look forward to adding many more operators to the family of 50 that are presently deriving excellent benefits from the aircraft’s operational flexibility, outstanding performance, passenger amenities and environmental credentials.”


Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes 13 Q400 NextGen airliners. Bombardier’s presence in the Middle East and Africa currently includes more than 200 Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops, CRJ regional jets and CSeries single-aisle, mainline aircraft in service or on firm order.

Bombardier Aerospace

Bombardier Delays CSeries Launch

Bombardier is delaying the entry into service of its CSeries aircraft until the second half of 2015, after discovering that the flight test phase will require more time than originally anticipated. 

The delay will eliminate the Canadian airframe manufacturer's original plans for a CS100 introduction in September, about a year after its maiden flight occurred Sept. 16, 2013. Under the new launch schedule, the CS100 will be introduced in late 2015, followed by the CS300 entry into service about six months later. 

Photo, courtesy of Bombardier 

“While the process has taken more time than we had expected, our suppliers are aligned with the program’s schedule and together we will continue to work closely to move the program steadily forward. With the first flight of Flight Test Vehicle 2 (FTV2) successfully completed on Jan. 3, 2014, the CSeries aircraft program will continue to gain traction over the coming months," said Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier.

Bombardier is looking to use the CSeries family to compete in the 100- to 149-seat market, which is currently dominated by the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The company's projected improvements in operating costs have influenced both Boeing and Airbus to introduce improved versions of those aircraft, including the A320neo and the 737 MAX. 

Source

Porter Airlines Operates Bombardier Q400 Aircraft in Canada's First Biofuel-Powered Revenue Flight

Porter Airlines today successfully conducted the first biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada. In the successful conclusion to a test program that was launched in 2010, the airline flew one of its Bombardier Q400 turboprops from its base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Ottawa using a 50/50 blend of biofuel and Jet A1 fuel in one of its engines.

• Bio-fueltest program led by Bombardier Aerospace, Porter Airlines, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Targeted Growth successfully concluded
• Program funded by the key partners and by Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) Program through GARDN

The fuel was certified to the new American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566/D1655 standard and the biofuel used was derived from the oilseed crops, Camelina sativa* (49 per cent) and Brassica carinata* (one per cent). The aircraft’s other engine was powered by Jet A1 fuel. The flight included passengers making their way to Ottawa for business and pleasure, representatives from the biofuel test program’s partnering organizations and media.

This is the final step in a two-year project whose key members are Targeted Growth, Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney Canada, the manufacturer of the PW150A engines that power the Q400 aircraft, and Porter Airlines. Funding for the biofuel test program was provided by the key partners, as well as by Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) through the Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN).

Additional support to the program was provided by Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., which grew the carinata and produced the carinata bio-oil; Sustainable Oils, which crushed the camelina to make the camelina bio-oil; Honeywell UOP, which converted the bio-oils into the bio-derived jet fuel to meet the D7566 standard; and SkyNRG who were responsible for logistics and blending meeting the D1655 specification.

 “In a fitting tribute to Earth Day 2012, which is now less than a week away, we are delighted that one of our Bombardier Q400 turboprops has become the first aircraft to successfully conduct a biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada,” said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. “The use of biofuels promises to significantly reduce the level of emissions produced by commercial aircraft worldwide, and Porter is honoured to have contributed to this test program in Canada.”

“The success of this biofuel test program, which utilized a BombardierQ400 aircraft, speaks volumes about the ability of the aviation and other communities to work together towards producing a more sustainable aviation industry,” said Hélène V. Gagnon, Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bombardier Aerospace. “But that’s not the only milestone achieved today. This is the first time that a revenue flight in Canada was powered by biofuel, so we’ve achieved a first for Canada. ”

“When this biofuel project was submitted in October 2010, the Private Sector Advisory Board, a strategic body comprised of respected Canadian industry leaders, approved it with complete confidence and praised it very high value added, world-class experts and very good focus,” said Sylvain Cofsky, Executive Director of GARDN. “Eighteen months later, today’s flight proves they were right and I am extremely proud of GARDN’s contribution to this very promising success in the field of aviation.”

"We are firmly committed to ensuring that our products are designed, produced and operated while minimizing environmental impacts throughout their life cycle, outperforming the most stringent ICAO standards,” said Daniel Breitman, Vice President, Engine Development Programs, Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“We have implemented new technologies to significantly reduce fuel consumption, environmental emissions and engine noise in our latest generation of engines and we are developing cutting-edge green technologies for the future, to help the aerospace industry reach its commitment of reducing its overall footprint."

“Targeted Growth was very pleased to be involved in this project,” said Robert Woods, president, Targeted Growth. “Partnerships such as this one help demonstrate market confidence that spurs the critical research and development required to advance feedstock productivity.”

On February 9, 2012, in preparation for Porter’s revenue flight, Bombardier flew a Q400 turboprop test aircraft on the ASTM D7566/D1655 bio-derived jet fuel. This was the first such biofuel-powered test flight in Canada.



Bombardier Media

Bombardier Signs PrivatAir for up to 10 CSeries Aircraft

 

Photo Credit: Bombardier Aerospace

Full-service provider to airline partners to receive all-business class CSeries aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Geneva-based PrivatAir has placed a firm order for five CS100 airliners and has taken options on an additional five CS100 aircraft. Based on the list price for the CS100 aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately $309 million US, and could increase to $636 million US if the five options are exercised.

PrivatAir was founded more than 30 years ago and operates a large fleet of commercial and business aircraft to provide private charter and private airline services. Its specialized services include exclusively business class flights on behalf of several major network airlines. As a superb example of the versatility of the world’s only all-new aircraft in its segment, the
 
CSeries aircraft acquired by PrivatAir will be delivered in an all-business class configuration.
“The CSeries aircraft represent cutting-edge technology and are true 21^st century jetliners,” said Greg Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer, PrivatAir. “The CS100 jetliner is very well suited for our route expansion plans and we look forward to introducing this very modern aircraft into our fleet.”

“The CSeries aircraft program keeps growing and we have now announced our 11^th customer,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “The CSeries family of aircraft is designed for operational flexibility and many airlines around the world, like PrivatAir, are very much aware of how the aircraft can meet their future plans. Our global push, as well as the superior performance benefits of the CSeries aircraft, will ensure that Bombardier will capture a significant portion of the 100- to 149-seat market segment over the next twenty years.”

 “Included among the 11 customers that have selected the CSeries aircraft are major network carriers, national carriers, premium airlines serving city centre airports, a low-cost airline, leasing companies and now, with the order from PrivatAir announced today, a full service provider to airline partners,” said Philippe Poutissou, Vice President, Marketing, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This diversity of customers speaks volumes about the flexibility of the CSeries aircraft family to meet air transport requirements worldwide.”

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries family of aircraft combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20* per cent fuel burn advantage. The CSeries family of aircraft’s clean-sheet design will enable the aircraft to achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km). The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

Including the order from PrivatAir announced today, Bombardier has booked firm orders for 138 CSeries airliners. Other customers include Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group(17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), Korean Air (10 CS300 aircraft), Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), an unidentified major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft), an unidentified European customer (10 CS100 aircraft) and a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft).

The CSeries aircraft program has also booked options for 124 aircraft and purchase rights for 10 aircraft from these customers, as well as Letters of Intent for up to 30 CSeries aircraft from Ilyushin Finance Co, and for up to 15 CS300 aircraft from Atlasjet.


Bombardier Aerospace Media






 

Qatar Executive looks to expand fleet with Global 7000 and 8000

Qatar Executive, the all-Bombardier charter arm of Qatar Airways, is in talks with the Canadian manufacturer about bolstering its fleet with Global 7000 or 8000 jets, which are under development. However, airline chief executive Akbar Al Baker says he is also considering Embraer or Gulfstream aircraft, so as not to be dependent on one manufacturer.

"We want to stay with Bombardier but we are also looking at Gulfstream as an alternative supplier," he told Flight International in an interview in Doha. "We don't like to put all our eggs in one basket. We could take both [Bombardier and Gulfstream] or Embraer if they suit our corporate requirements."
Qatar Executive operates three Challenger 605s, two Global 5000s and one Global Express XRS, with much of its business coming out of Russia as well as the Gulf region.

Flight Global 

Exciting and Productive Week for Bombardier Aerospace at the Singapore Airshow

• Confirms two previously unidentified airlines: Garuda Indonesia and Ethiopian Airlines
• Announces OEM-owned service centre in Singapore for business aircraft; and Singapore-based commercial aircraft sales office
• Also announces order for two Q400 NextGen by Horizon Air
• Attracts significant interest with its business aircraft on static 

Bombardier Aerospace wrapped up its participation at the Singapore Airshow after an exciting and busy week during which it revealed the identity of two key airlines that had placed orders for its proven CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet and fuel-efficient Q400 NextGen turboprop as well as announced an order for two Q400 NextGen aircraft. It also took advantage of the airshow to announce the establishment of a Bombardier-owned service centre in Singapore for business aircraft, as well as the official opening of a sales and marketing office in Singapore for commercial aircraft.

Key commercial aircraft airlines identified

On February 15, during a joint press briefing in its CSeries aircraft dome filled to capacity, Bombardier and Indonesian flag carrier PT. Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. confirmed that the airline is the unidentified customer whose order for six CRJ1000 NextGen regional jets and 18 options was announced on February 10, 2012. The aircraft’s superior economics, outstanding fuel economy and excellent passenger comfort will meet the airline’s requirement for 100-seat aircraft to service domestic and regional markets from its five regional hubs and will be integral to its expansion and growing markets. Garuda Indonesia also took the opportunity to announce that it plans to acquire an additional 12 CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft from a lessor.

This announcement was followed the next day, on February 16 with the confirmation that Ethiopian Airlines,
one of Africa’s leading airlines, is the customer that placed the firm order for five Q400 NextGen airliners announced on February 13, 2012. The modern turboprop’s high rate of climb, single-engine service ceiling and higher take-off weight, thus greater payload, were key attributes for the airline which flies out of high altitude-hot weather airports.

On February 16, Bombardier also announced that Horizon Air of Seattle, Washington had signed a firm purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen airliners. The airline, member of the Alaska Air Group, is the largest operator of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft in the Americas. With this order, it is restating its long-standing confidence in the aircraft’s superior fuel efficiency as well as its jet-like comfort.

“Key to our success this year will be our ability to expand our global reach and gain traction in new and exciting markets,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “Our success at the Singapore Airshow is a testament to the results being achieved in this regard. I am very proud of the results our team has achieved so early on in the year. Our prospects for the rest of the year look great,” he added.

Opening of OEM-owned service centre in Singapore

On February 15, Bombardier announced that it will open a full-scale company-owned and operated service centre in Singapore in 2013. This new service center will ensure that Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets customers have an even broader access to Original Equipment Manufacturer-backed service in the Asia-Pacific region in their own time zone and in their own region.

Sustained activity for Bombardier business aircraft

Bombardier Business Aircraft attracted continued significant interest in the region, reflecting the dynamism and rapid growth of the business jet market in the Asia-Pacific region. A Learjet 60 XR aircraft, a Challenger 605 jet and a Global 5000 jet from its product portfolio were on static display at the airshow, drawing the crowd’s attention.

Bombardier Media



The Q400 NexGen (Next Generation) is a fuel-efficient, regional size turboprop jet. Get More information on the Q400 Next gen webpage

Bombardier Establishing OEM-Owned Service Centre in Singapore for Business Aircraft

Bombardier’s 10th wholly owned aircraft maintenance facility worldwide and second service center outside of North America.

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that it will open a full-scale company-owned and operated service center in Singapore in 2013. The new service center will form the cornerstone of Bombardier’s comprehensive customer services offering in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure that Bombardier Business
Aircraft customers have even broader access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-backed service.

The new facility will be the second service center operated by Bombardier outside of North America, bringing the total number to 10 worldwide. It will be capable of performing a variety of light to heavy maintenance tasks on all Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft.

Bombardier’s Singapore Regional Support Office (RSO), opened in late 2011, will work in conjunction with the new service center location as well as the company's current Singapore parts depot. Together with other facilities based in the Asia-Pacific region, Bombardier will create a full-service customer support hub in the region to complement existing regional networks in North America and Europe.

“We want to ensure our customers in the Asia-Pacific region have access to the full range of customer support and services in their own time zone and in their own region. It is a reflection of our commitment to current and future operators that no matter where they fly, they will have access to our OEM-backed support,” said Éric Martel, President, Bombardier Customer Services & Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft.

“By 2030, there could be more than 1,100 business jets in service in the Asia-Pacific region, and we are ready and committed to support our existing and future customers, which we expect will make up a large portion of that fleet,” he added.

Bombardier currently operates 10 dedicated support facilities in the Asia-Pacific region, including five parts depots, as well as RSOs in Tokyo, Japan and Shanghai, China for commercial aircraft; in Singapore and Hong Kong for business aircraft; and in Sydney, Australia for both business and commercial aircraft customers. This network currently supports an installed Bombardier Business Aircraft fleet that had reached a total of 170 aircraft in 2011.

In addition to the Company’s wholly owned service centers, parts depots and regional support offices, Bombardier’s business and commercial aircraft customers have access to a broad network of 56 Authorized Service Facilities and Aircraft-On-Ground Line Maintenance Facilities in 27 countries.

Bombardier  

Bombardier Increases Commercial Aircraft Sales and Marketing Support to the Asia-Pacific Region

Bombardier Aerospace today announced the establishment of a Bombardier Commercial Aircraft regional sales and marketing office in Singapore to serve the Asia-Pacific region.

“This new sales and marketing office will further extend our global presence and provide closer proximity to current and prospective customers in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Torbjorn Karlsson, Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We will be able to provide an almost instant response to any request for information on our Q-Series, CRJ and CSeries aircraft families.”

“The economic growth of this region is expected to outpace the rest of world over the next 20 years, and there remains a tremendous potential to develop and expand intra-regional and domestic services throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said Philippe Poutissou, Vice President, Marketing, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “With its proximity to the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries; Oceania; and India – Singapore is the perfect hub for our commercial aircraft sales, marketing and customer support teams.”
 

“Our Q-Series and CRJ aircraft fleets in the region already serve a wide range of air transport needs, including resource industry charters, short- and medium-haul hub feed and point-to-point airline service,” added Mr. Poutissou. “Almost 300 CSeries, CRJ and Q-Series commercial aircraft are on order, or are currently operating in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the large portfolio of CRJ and Q-Series aircraft currently operating in the area, continued growth is expected as airlines explore opportunities for larger capacity aircraft. We anticipate that they will also seek efficient single-aisle mainline aircraft, such as Bombardier’s CSeries family of airliners, to expand their networks.”

Bombardier forecasts that the Asia-Pacific region (including China) will take delivery of approximately 4,000 aircraft in the 20- to 149-seat category over the next 20 years. Each of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s distinct families is optimized for its respective markets. The 68- to 80-seat Q400 NextGen aircraft is the optimized turboprop solution for short- and medium-range markets; the 70- to 100-seat CRJ NextGen aircraft are the optimized regional jetliner solution; and the all-new, game-changing CSeries aircraft are the optimized single-aisle, mainline solution for the 100- to 149-seat market.