Porter Airlines exercises further options on two Bombardier Q400s
Porter Airlines is exercising two existing options for Bombardier Aerospace Q400 aircraft. This represents aircraft 13 and 14 in the Porter fleet from an original order of 10 firm and 10 options.
The two aircraft are valued at approximately $52 million U.S. based on list prices. Six Q400s are delivered and currently in service. Within one year, the fleet will double in size to 12 aircraft and the full order of 20 is expected to be delivered in less than two years.
"Porter is continuing its steady, successful growth curve with the confirmation of this order," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "We’ve been able to maintain a full level of customer service while adding aircraft, employees and destinations at a time when many carriers are making difficult decisions about the future."
Porter was recently recognized by Bombardier for achieving 99.59 per cent dispatch reliability, the highest in the world for all Q400 operators.
"The Q400 continues to serve Porter well as the ideal aircraft for our regional routes," added Deluce. "The passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and reliability help us deliver a unique passenger experience."
"Final assembly for the Q400 aircraft is done at Bombardier’s Toronto site, so Porter Airlines’ operation is an ideal showcase for the airliner," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The lower CO2 gas emissions and quiet operation of the airliner make it ideally suited to the Toronto City Centre Airport and similar downtown airfields such as London City Airport in the United Kingdom. The Q400 aircraft is truly a 21st century turboprop."
Total firm orders for the Q400 aircraft now stand at 308, with 200 delivered as of April 30, 2008.
Porter operates a 70-seat version of the Q400, one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class, burning less fuel per seat than most regional and narrow-body jets. With leather seating, extended legroom and a 667 km/h cruising speed, the Q400 sets new standards for comfort, fuel efficiency and low emissions.
About Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines Inc. is a regional passenger carrier based at Toronto City Centre Airport. The airline serves Toronto, New York (Newark), Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and
Mt. Tremblant. Porter plans to fly to at least 17 short-haul Canadian and U.S. destinations. Visit www.flyporter.com or call (416) 619-8622 or (888) 619-8622 for more information.