Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Calgary-based WestJet Encore Ltd. has signed a firm order for five Q400 aircraft. Th...
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Calgary-based WestJet Encore Ltd. has signed a firm order for five Q400 aircraft. The airline also signed a firm order for one Q400 aircraft in March 2015. These transactions are conversions of options previously booked by the carrier’s parent company WestJet Airlines.
Based on the list price of the Q400 airliner, the transactions announced today are valued at approximately $200 million US.
“In 24 months, WestJet Encore has successfully launched Canada’s newest regional airline bringing WestJet’s caring service and low fares to more communities which WestJetters are incredibly proud to service,” said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. “As the backbone of our expansion, the Q400 offers both jet-like performance and turboprop economics, providing us with the consistent guest and in-flight experience that allows us to integrate the WestJet brand into our regional airline.”
“WestJet Encore continues to build momentum within the Canadian regional aircraft market. Through its diversified and growing route networks, it has used the Q400 aircraft to serve 24 cities in seven provinces since launching its operations,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As a growth-minded airline, this iconic Canadian carrier is benefitting from the Q400 aircraft’s perfect balance of flexibility, passenger comfort, economics and unsurpassed environmental standing.
“Later this month, WestJet Encore will take delivery of the 500th Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Since entering revenue service in 2000, the Q400 turboprop has been one of the top success stories in regional airline transport, so it is incredibly fitting that an admirable Canadian airline will take delivery of this milestone aircraft,” added Mr. Cromer.
WestJet Encore launched service in June 2013 operating 10 departures daily to two destinations with two Q400 aircraft and 131 employees. Today, it now services 24 cities in seven provinces with 114 daily departures with 21 Q400 aircraft and approximately 500 employees. The airline recently launched Edmonton-Kamloops, Toronto-Québec City, Toronto-Fredericton and Halifax-Sydney services.
By offering a 30% 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.
