The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment

Toronto, Ontario / CRWEPRESSRELEASE / December 31, 2015 - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd (RAC) of Okinawa, Japan announced today the delivery and acceptance of the very first Q400 cargo-combi aircraft. Manufactured at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the aircraft is one of five ordered by RAC. A member of the Japan Airlines Group, RAC is the launch customer for this new variant of the Q400 aircraft, which features a cargo-passenger combi configuration, and was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014.

“We are very excited to be the launch operator for the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter. “We always aim to offer the highest level of comfort and convenience for our customers and the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the ideal platform for the evolution of our service. Increasing efficient air travel options around Japan’s Okinawa islands will provide strong economic and leisure advantages.”

“With the delivery of our first combi aircraft, we are celebrating a standout accomplishment for the Q400 aircraft program,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Recognized worldwide for its versatility, proven reliability and superior performance, the Q400 aircraft now offers optimum solutions with its single-class, dual-class, extra capacity and combi configurations, and is once again reinventing the modern turboprop market.

“By operating on routes with high cargo demand and medium to low passenger loads, RAC will benefit from the unique economic potential of the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” added Mr. Cromer.

“We are delighted by RAC’s continued confidence in Bombardier’s Q Series aircraft and are thrilled to support the airline’s bold and innovative expansion strategy,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Adding the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft to its growing fleet allows the airline to enrich its intra-Japan network and increase the frequency to remote southern islands where increased cargo capacity and payload is a necessity.”

The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment, and is the only commercial turboprop available today offering various configurations. In the layout that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 9,000 lb. (4082 Kg) of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet (32 cubic metres) of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch, and 58 at 29-inch seat pitch. The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft’s “Class C” cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry’s latest regulations.

About Q400 aircraft

Designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. In addition to the standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; in an optional extra-capacity configuration with up to 86 seats for high-density markets; and in a combi configuration.

Thanks to its combination of turboprop attributes, jet-like features, industry-leading passenger experience and environmental footprint, the Q400 aircraft is exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to a variety of business models. By offering a 30 per cent reduction in fuel burn over the jets it often replaces, the Q400 aircraft radically reduces carbon emissions and increases cost efficiency. Its high-speed cruise -- 160 km/h faster than conventional turboprops -- places the aircraft’s flight time within minutes of jet schedules, at the same seat cost as larger single-aisle jets. Its large propellers operate at a lower RPM, generating more power with less noise and making it a friendly option for city centres.

The Q400 aircraft family includes over 60 owners and operators in almost 40 countries worldwide and the worldwide fleet has logged more than 6 million flight hours. The aircraft has transported more than 370 million passengers worldwide. Long recognized as a high-value asset by operators, the Q400 aircraft is now also attracting growing interest from the leasing community.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 547 Q400 aircraft.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

Images of Ryukyu Air Commuter Q400 aircraft are posted with this press release at www.bombardier.com.

For more information on the Q400 aircraft, please visit http://news.commercialaircraft.bombardier.com.

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For Information

Marianella de la Barrera
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
+1-416-375-3030
marianella.delabarrera@aero.bombardier.com

www.bombardier.com

Source: Bombardier Commercial Aircraft