Bombardier Aerospace today delivered the first of five 74-seat Bombardier Q400 high-speed turboprop airliners ordered by South Korea’s Jeju Air. Jeju Air holds options on an additional three Q400 aircraft.
The Q400 aircraft was accepted by Young-Shin Chang, Chairperson of Aekyung Group, the holding company of Jeju Air and Sang-Kil Joo, President, Jeju Air during a ceremony at Bombardier’s Downsview, Ontario facility attended by airline and Bombardier Regional Aircraft executives, Korean dignitaries in Canada and Bombardier Aerospace employees. The ceremony was opened by a Korean troupe performing traditional dances.
“This is a momentous day for Jeju Air because this is our first aircraft,” said Sang-Kil Joo, President, Jeju Air. “At last we can begin to provide attractively priced air services between Jeju Island, a popular vacation destination, and the South Korean mainland.”
Jeju Air was formed in January, 2005 by the Aekyung Group and the Jeju Provincial Government to capitalize on the tourist traffic flowing between the mainland and Jeju Island. Jeju Air’s Q400 aircraft order was announced on June 8, 2005.
“The Bombardier Q400 is the most economical and comfortable turboprop aircraft in the world, making it ideal for us,” said Sang-Kil Joo, President, Jeju Air. “The low operating costs will enable us to price our air fares 30 per cent lower than the competition.”
“This delivery is a breakthrough for us as it will be the first Bombardier regional aircraft in South Korea,” said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “Jeju Air will be showcasing the extraordinary Q400 aircraft in the country, where there is a growing requirement for such aircraft for both business and tourist travel. The Q400 aircraft has outstanding economics and passenger comfort that will return major benefits to Jeju Air and its passengers.”
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For information
Marc Holloran
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030