Bombardier Aerospace and U.K-based FlyBE.
(formerly British European) on April 23 have agreed to a contract
for the purchase of advanced Bombardier Q400(i) regional airliners.
The agreement includes 17 firm orders for Bombardier Q400 aircraft
valued at $362 million U.S. and a further 20 options. Deliveries of
the 78-seat aircraft are scheduled to begin in the second quarter
of 2003. The total value of the contract, if the 20 options are
exercised, could reach $818 million U.S. Addition of the 17
Bombardier Q400 aircraft will increase FlyBE.'s Q400 fleet to 21
aircraft. The airline also operates 15 BAe 146 jets.
"The Bombardier Q400 delivers fantastically low operating costs,
which is critical to our regional low fares business model. The
Q400 is set to become the workhorse of the regional low fares
market and we are very pleased to be the leading exponent of the
product," said Jim French, managing director of FlyBE. "We
announced last year our intention to streamline our fleet to two
aircraft types. With the announcement today to standardize on the
Bombardier Q400, we will drive millions of dollars in operating
cost savings, and help consolidate our position as Europe's No. 1
regional low fares provider."
Mr.
French added, "The jet performance of the Bombardier Q400 is a
major selling point, together with its exceptionally quiet cabin
comfort. Passenger reaction has been extremely positive."
"We are delighted that FlyBE. has come back for a second order
for 17 Bombardier Q400 aircraft," said Steven A. Ridolfi,
president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. "Airlines in
today's environment need to generate significant cost improvements.
The Bombardier Q400 is the most efficient and cost effective
regional aircraft available. As Mr. French has indicated, the added
benefit of jet-like cruise speeds and excellent reliability makes
it an unbeatable choice."
Formed 25 years ago as Jersey European Airways, FlyBE. this
summer will fly to 46 domestic and international routes, including
12 routes from its new hub at Southampton Airport in central
southern UK. FlyBE. sister company, British European Aviation
Services, is the only Bombardier recognized Q(i)Series/Dash 8(i)
maintenance facility in Europe. The company performs "C" checks and
other heavy maintenance at its facility at Exeter International
Airport in southwest England.
The Bombardier Q400 order book, including options and
conditional orders, totals 189 aircraft with 71 delivered and in
operation as of Feb. 28 with eleven customers throughout North
America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region.