Bombardier's Q400 Racks Up 10 More Orders, Options For Another 10

In case you hadn't noticed... after the rush to replace turboprop airliners with regional jets a few years back, the propjets are making a comeback. As further proof, Bombardier Aerospace announced Wednesday that Frontier Airlines of Denver, CO has signed a contract to acquire 10 Bombardier Q400 74-seat airliners.

The contract includes options on 10 additional Q400 aircraft, and is valued at $256.8 million. The value could rise to $520.3 million if the options are exercised.

The Q400 aircraft is the airline’s first turboprop. Frontier operates 280 flights a day to 57 destinations in the US, Canada and Mexico -- some of which are flown by Horizon Air as Frontier JetExpress, using Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets. (Horizon also flies Q400s on its own routes.)

"Only the Bombardier Q400 aircraft has the very low operating costs and operational characteristics that we require to develop new flying from our hub in Denver to points in Colorado and surrounding states," said Frontier President and CEO Jeff Potter. "The aircraft’s high cruise speed and excellent passenger comfort complete an extremely attractive package. Judging from the experience of other Q400 operators, our passengers are going to enjoy flying in this aircraft."

Frontier Airlines becomes the 18th operator to order the Bombardier Q400.  Firm orders stood at 185 aircraft as of July 31, 2006, with 125 having been delivered.

"We are delighted that Frontier Airlines has recognized the superb qualities of the Bombardier Q400," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "This aircraft is in a class by itself. There is no other regional aircraft that comes close to matching its low operating costs and we look forward to supporting Frontier’s future growth."

Currently in its 13th year of operations, Frontier Airlines is the second largest jet service carrier at Denver International Airport, with 55 aircraft. In conjunction with Frontier JetExpress operated by Horizon Air, Frontier operates routes linking its Denver hub to 55 destinations including 47 destinations in 29 states spanning the nation from coast to coast, seven cities in Mexico and one city in Canada.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.frontier.com