Toronto-Based Airline Adds To Fleet

With today's soaring fuel prices, smaller airlines flying economical turboprop planes seem to have a leg up on their much larger competitors. Bombardier Aerospace announced Tuesday that Toronto-based Porter Airlines has signed a contract to acquire two more 70-seat Q400 airliners, by converting existing options.

They will be the 15th and 16th Q400 aircraft in the Porter fleet from an original order for 10 firm and 10 options placed in 2006. The contract is valued at $52 million list.

"The Q400 airliner continues to serve Porter well. It is the best aircraft for our current and future route structure," said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. "The passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and reliability help us to provide a unique passenger experience."

Porter Airlines currently serves seven destinations in Eastern Canada and the US, and hopes to increase the number of markets to at least 17.

"The Q400 airliner is one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "With a 360-knot (667 km/h) cruise speed and other features, the Q400 aircraft has established itself as the benchmark for comfort, efficiency and low emissions."

Bombardier adds Porter was among Q400 aircraft operators recognized by the planemaker in June 2008 for achieving dispatch reliability rates exceeding 99 percent in 2007.

With this order, Bombardier has now recorded firm orders for a total of 312 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners, with 200 delivered as of April 30, 2008.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.flyporter.com