Bombardier signs Austrian Airlines for four Q400 NextGen airliners

08 September 2008

Mumbai: Bombardier Aerospace has announced that Vienna-based Austrian Airlines has contracted to to acquire four Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners.

Austrian Airlines has also taken options on an additional two aircraft, according to a statement by Bombardier. The aircraft will be operated by the regional airline of the Austrian Airlines Group, Tyrolean Airways. The brand name is Austrian Arrows.

Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract is valued at around $118 million, and could increase to $179 million if both options are exercised.

"In today's challenging environment, fuel efficiency is vital," said Manfred Helldoppler, Managing Director of Tyrolean Airways.

"The Q400 NextGen airliner's low fuel consumption contributes to its low operating costs and reduced emissions. In addition our passengers will benefit from the aircraft's all-new spacious and comfortable passenger cabin", Helldoppler said.

Austrian arrows carrier, Tyrolean Airlines began operations in 1980 with a single de Havilland Dash 7, 50-seat turboprop airliner, and it introduced the Dash 8 aircraft to Europe in 1985.