Austrian purchases four new Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

Austrian Airlines and Bombardier Inc. signed a contract to purchase four Bombardier Q400 NextGen Series Aircraft and two additional options. At the same time as newly incorporating these aircraft into its fleet, the Austrian Airlines Group will release the final two “Dash 8-300 non Q” and two Canadair CRJ from use.

The purchase represents another successful step taken towards harmonisation of the company’s regional fleet. The new aircraft will be delivered consecutively to Austrian Airlines in 2010. The delivery dates are May, June, September and November 2010.

Chief Operations Officer Dr. Peter Malanik said the following about the decision to purchase: “The Dash 8-400 has proven itself to be a highly reliable, safe and environmentally friendly turboprop. We have made some 135,000 takeoffs and landings using the aircraft without any problems whatsoever.

“Using the four aircraft is of major benefit to us in technology, performance and efficiency terms. Additionally, the Q400 NextGen offers increased passenger comfort due to its well known high cruising speed and adaptations to the cabin including special soundproofing, larger overhead bins, a new LED-based lighting system and improved aesthetics.”

Corporate Finance Officer Heinz Lachinger, added: “The Bombardier Q400 NextGen offers users around the world outstanding efficiency in flight operations. The aircraft is distinguished by its high level of performance, very low fuel consumption at just 3.1 litres per 100 kilometres per passenger on a typical length of run, and low CO2 emissions. These positive factors will be to the benefit not only of our scheduled services and passengers, but also the environment.”

Manfred Helldoppler, Managing Director of Tyrolean Airways, made this statement about the future deployment: “The Bombardier Q400 NextGen is the ideal scheduled aircraft for the regional market, and perfect for use on our short haul routes in Central and Eastern Europe. The new purchase sees us continuing to optimise the existing Austrian arrows fleet and keeping the average age of our aircraft below the European average.

“The new aircraft will also help us build upon our existing leading position amongst European regional airlines as well as to offer our passengers an even more enjoyable flight experience than before and to make a contribution to a reduction of emissions caused by air travel.”

For more information, log on to Austrian.com.