Bombardier Aerospace has signed up Japan Air Commuter (JAC), a team member of Japan Airlines (JAL) Group, for an eleventh Bombardier Q400 high-speed turboprop airliner.

Based in Kagoshima, JAC is Japan’s largest regional airline and carried 1.44 million passengers in its 2005 fiscal year.

“The Bombardier Q400 is truly an extraordinary and revolutionary aircraft,” said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “It has near-jet speeds but the operating costs of a turboprop; in fact, it has the lowest operating costs of any regional aircraft.”

“The high speed of the Bombardier Q400 aircraft gives us an opportunity for high utilization while observing the opening hour restrictions at the airports we serve,” said Takayuki Nagatsuka, President, Japan Air Commuter.

“The high utilization combined with the aircraft’s low trip and low seat-mile costs make a significant contribution to the aircraft’s economics. And our passengers appreciate the aircraft’s speed, quietness and comfort.”

The order from JAC continues to confirm the resurgence in the turboprop market. As of January 31, 2006, 730 Q Series aircraft had been delivered to customers around the world.

FMI: www.bombardier.com