SpiceJet has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Bombardier for up to 50 Q400 aircraft.
“I am delighted to announce this new order for 50 Q400 planes. It will help us further increase connectivity to smaller towns and cities and help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring that every Indian can fly,” says Ajay Singh – chairman and managing director of SpiceJet. “Our passengers will be able to fly to more cities and help expand India’s already booming aviation market.”
SpiceJet is one of the five domestic carriers who are part of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), a government initiative to connect India’s under-served and unserved airports to larger metros, and make air travel affordable for the common man.
The new Q400 is an 86-seater turboprop airplane best suited for short- and medium-haul routes. SpiceJet currently operates 20 Q400 aircraft in a 78-seat configuration to domestic and international destinations.
François Cognard, VP: Sales — South-Asia and Australasia of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said: “The Q400 is the largest turboprop aircraft available on the market and the 86-seat configuration will support SpiceJet develop its domestic operations from tier-2 and tier-3 cities across India. Our continued partnership sets the stage for a brighter future, and years of profitable and efficient operations for SpiceJet.”
SpiceJet has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for 40 737 MAX airplanes.
