Porter Airlines Converts Two More Options to Firm Orders for Bombardier Q400 Aircraft

Released on Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Porter Airlines of Toronto has signed a contract to acquire two 70-seat Q400 turboprop airliners by converting existing options. They will be the 15th and 16th Q400 aircraft in the Porter fleet from an original order for 10 firm and 10 options placed in 2006.

Based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, the value of the contract is approximately $52 million U.S.

"The Q400 airliner continues to serve Porter well. It is the best aircraft for our current and future route structure," said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. "The passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and reliability help us to provide a unique passenger experience."

Porter Airlines currently serves seven destinations in Eastern Canada and the U.S. and has stated that its plan is to increase the number of markets to at least 17.

Porter Airlines was among Q400 aircraft operators recognized by Bombardier in June, 2008 for achieving dispatch reliability rates exceeding 99 per cent in 2007.

"The Q400 airliner is one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "With a 360-knot (667 km/h) cruise speed and other features, the Q400 aircraft has established itself as the benchmark for comfort, efficiency and low emissions."

The Q400 aircraft's low emissions and quiet operation make it ideally suited to downtown airports such as the Toronto City Centre Airport, where Porter Airlines is based. With this order, Bombardier has now recorded firm orders for a total of 312 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners, with 200 delivered as of April 30, 2008.