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WestJet has signed a conditional order for 20 Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprops, with options for an additional 25. The news follows the letter of intent to purchase the aircraft that was announced by WestJet last month.
According to Bombardier, a firm order for 20 Q400 NextGen aircraft would be valued at approximately $706 million according to current list prices. This would increase to approximately $1.65 billion with the additional 25 options.
The conditional order was announced in Calgary, where the Q400 NextGen aircraft was on display at the airline’s Campus, with potential regional airport delegations from across the country and media representatives in attendance.
Earlier this year, an internal WestJet poll revealed that over 90 per cent of WestJetters were in favour of launching a regional airline to serve more communities across Canada. Set to begin operations in the second half of 2013, the regional airline is anticipated to serve regional airports from coast to coast that are currently considered under-served.
“We are delighted to welcome our friends from Bombardier to our campus today as well as representatives from the more than 30 airports across Canada hoping to have WestJet service in their communities in the future,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet president and CEO. “Our launch plans are progressing nicely and we look forward to expanding to new communities when we launch in the second half of 2013.”
Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: “This is an exciting time for Bombardier and WestJetters alike. We’re equally keen to see how WestJet will adopt the Q400 NextGen aircraft into its unique operations and it’s a thrill to see the enthusiasm as the airline solicits feedback from the country’s regional airports and its guests.”
As Canada’s second-largest carrier, WestJet currently provides scheduled and chartered air service in North America and the Caribbean.
Bombardier has booked firm orders for 428 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners and delivered aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents.
