Bombardier Aerospace has delivered the first of two Q400 high-speed turboprop airliners to Johannesburg-based South African Express Airways, the first Q400 aircraft operator on the African continent.
The 74-seat Q400 aircraft will join seven 50-seat Bombardier Dash 8 Series 300 turboprops and six 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets in the South African Express Airways fleet and arrives on the 12th anniversary of the founding of the airline in April 1994. The Q400 airliners will be deployed on domestic flights from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein and George.
“We selected the Bombardier Q400 aircraft because it is the most economical and most comfortable turboprop in the world, making it the ideal aircraft for our local and regional routes,” said Siza Mzimela, Chief Executive Officer, South African Express Airways. “The two Q400 aircraft will allow us to enrich our African networks and increase frequencies for the convenience of our customers.”
South African Express Airways carries more than 100,000 passengers a month. It flies to 13 destinations within South Africa, provides regional services to Namibia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo and operates 56 frequencies a week between its various hubs. Although independently owned and operated, South African Airways Express carries the South African Airways airline code.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Dash 8, Q400 and CRJ200 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Marc Holloran
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030