Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd (RAC) of Okinawa, Japan announced the delivery and acceptance of the very first Q400 cargo-combi aircraft. Manufactured at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the aircraft is one of five ordered by RAC. A member of the Japan Airlines Group, RAC is the launch customer for this new variant of the Q400 aircraft, which features a cargo-passenger combi configuration, and was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014.
“We are very excited to be the launch operator for the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter. “We always aim to offer the highest level of comfort and convenience for our customers and the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the ideal platform for the evolution of our service. Increasing efficient air travel options around Japan’s Okinawa islands will provide strong economic and leisure advantages.”
“With the delivery of our first combi aircraft, we are celebrating a standout accomplishment for the Q400 aircraft program,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Recognized worldwide for its versatility, proven reliability and superior performance, the Q400 aircraft now offers optimum solutions with its single-class, dual-class, extra capacity and combi configurations, and is once again reinventing the modern turboprop market.
“By operating on routes with high cargo demand and medium to low passenger loads, RAC will benefit from the unique economic potential of the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” added Mr. Cromer.
“We are delighted by RAC’s continued confidence in Bombardier’s Q Series aircraft and are thrilled to support the airline’s bold and innovative expansion strategy,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Adding the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft to its growing fleet allows the airline to enrich its intra-Japan network and increase the frequency to remote southern islands where increased cargo capacity and payload is a necessity.”
The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment, and is the only commercial turboprop available today offering various configurations. In the layout that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 9,000 lb. (4082 Kg) of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet (32 cubic metres) of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch, and 58 at 29-inch seat pitch. The Q400 cargo-combi aircraft’s “Class C” cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry’s latest regulations.
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