Nok Air receives first high-capacity Bombardier Q400

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Thailand’s premium low cost airline, Nok Air, showcased today the carrier’s second Q400 NextGen turboprop at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The extra capacity aircraft, the only commercial turboprop capable of comfortably accommodating 86 passengers, will join Nok Air’s fleet as part of a purchase agreement for up to eight Q400 NextGen airliners, six of which are firm.

During a celebratory event surrounding the colorfully-painted Q400 NextGen turboprop and opened with a cheerful dance performance, Bombardier executives and employees hosted Nok Air representatives as well as local and Thai media.

“While our 86-seat Q400 NextGen turboprops are positioning us to offer increased capacity on already popular routes, they will also allow us to grow into new destinations while increasing our profitability,” said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive, Nok Air. “We are eager for the Q400 NextGen aircraft to enter service and to offer our passengers an improved, more comfortable cabin environment.”

“As it makes regional air service more convenient and accessible to travelers in South East Asia, Nok Air will certainly showcase beautifully the flexibility and productivity of the extra capacity Q400 NextGen turboprop – always with the fun and friendly hospitality for which Thais, and particularly Nok Air, are known,” said Frank Baistrocchi, Regional Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are confident that the aircraft’s unbeatably low seat-mile costs and superior performance will be key assets to Nok Air’s bold growth strategy and we couldn’t be prouder to be associated with such a forward-thinking airline.”

“We again extend our appreciation to Nok Air for introducing the Q400 NextGen airliner to the region and launching the 86-seat version, and we look forward to a long future of strong friendship and collaboration,” he added.

About Q400 NextGen aircraft
With the introduction of the Q400 NextGen aircraft, Bombardier invented the modern turboprop. Optimized for short-haul operations and seating up to 86 passengers, the aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop that provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort, performance and operational flexibility with the lowest seat-mile costs in the short-haul regional market. With the flexibility to fly at both turboprop and jet-like speeds, the Q400 NextGen aircraft can be profitably deployed over short-range turboprop missions and in medium-haul jet markets. Now available in optional dual class, extra capacity and passenger-cargo combi configurations, the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s versatility positions it to again reshape the turboprop market through profitable growth.

The Q400 NextGen aircraft features an enhanced cabin environment with the introduction of LED lighting, new ceiling panels, dished window sidewalls and larger overhead luggage bins. These features, combined with the aircraft’s Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system, provide an excellent cabin experience for passengers.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 511 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in approximately 40 countries on five continents.

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