BOMBARDIER EXPANDS AFRICA FOOTPRINT WITH ADDITIONAL Q400’S FOR JAMBOJET
(Posted 29th April 2017)
(Jambojet’s new Bombardier Q400NextGen in new livery)
Jambojet will take delivery of another brand new Bombardier Q400NextGen in May and a second one later in the year as Kenya’s main LCC seeks to expand operations to new destinations.
Both aircraft, Bombardier confirmed this, will be through a long term lease arrangement with Russia’s Ilyushin Finance Co. which has reportedly converted an option for a Q400NextGen into a firm order, now having two on their books and beat other more established aircraft leasing companies to the door.
‘This agreement for these next generation turboprops signifies a key development in IFC’s international leasing business‘ said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. ‘The demand for high-performance turboprops, such as the Q400, continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Jambojet‘.
The delivery of these two aircraft will increase the fleet of Q Series turboprops in Africa to over 120 aircraft including about 70 Q400 aircraft.
‘We are impressed with the level of professionalism that IFC exhibited throughout the process that led to this first agreement, and are delighted to have found a trusted and reliable partner to support our development plans‘ said Willem Hondius, Chief Executive Officer, Jambojet. ‘The Q400 aircraft’s performance has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. With its low operating costs and best-in-class passenger experience, the Q400 turboprop has helped us optimize and expand our operations and is undeniably the backbone of Jambojet’s growth strategy‘.
JeanPaul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle-East and Africa at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft responded when he said: ‘We are proud of the Q400 aircraft continued success in Africa. Jambojet’s operations illustrate the capabilities and qualities of the Q400 aircraft that make it uniquely suitable for the region. The Q400 is a valuable asset for owners and operators, and we are confident that IFC and Jambojet will find many more opportunities to mutually benefit from the aircraft’s outstanding economics and performance‘.
Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 573 Q400 aircraft.
