Bombardier Q400 Aircraft Fleet Returning to Service

Released on Monday, September 17, 2007

Toronto, September 17, 2007

Approximately 70 per cent of Q400 worldwide fleet in service

More than 35 out of estimated 85 grounded Q400 aircraft back in service; number of aircraft returned to service continues to rise

After meeting the requirements of Transport Canada's Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the recent Bombardier Q400 aircraft landing gear issue, operators worldwide have been returning their aircraft to service. Approximately 70 per cent of the Q400 turboprop fleet is in service (or approximately 116 aircraft out of total fleet of 165 aircraft). Of the estimated 85 Q400 aircraft requiring detailed inspections, more than 35 aircraft are already back in service.

"Several airlines have reported that their Q400 aircraft have returned to normal service. This is excellent news. We expect that more aircraft will also return to service in the coming days. We remain committed to our customers and are providing them with the necessary technical assistance to resolve the issue," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft.

On September 13, Bombardier provided Q400 aircraft operators with detailed inspection procedures developed by Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, and approved by Bombardier. These inspection procedures address Transport Canada's airworthiness directive related to the aircraft's recent main landing gear issue.

Bombardier � with the support of Goodrich � continues to focus its efforts on assisting its customers to return to normal flight schedules as quickly as possible.