Bombardier Aerospace, the third largest airplane manufacturer in the world after Airbus and Boeing, has signed a conditional purchase agreement with Abidjan-based airline, Air Côte d’Ivoire for two Q400 NextGen aircraft.

As per the deal signed at the Dubai Air Show, the national airline of Ivory Coast has options for an additional two Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Based on list price, the contract value for two firm-ordered Q400 NextGen aircraft would be approximately $69 million. Should the two options be converted to firm orders, the contract value would increase to $141 million.

“The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into our fleet,” remarked René Decurey, the CEO of Air Côte d’Ivoire.

“We will capitalize on the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s outstanding performance -- including its high speed and long-range cruise capability – as we look to modernize our fleet and expand our domestic and regional route network. Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficient," he stated.

"Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations," said René Decurey.

“We are proud that Bombardier is contributing to the growth strategy of Air Côte d’Ivoire, and that the carrier could potentially double the size of its current fleet with Q400 NextGen aircraft as it further develops its network of short- and medium-haul destinations,” said

Commenting on the deal, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "The Q400 NextGen aircraft is performing superbly in diverse environments around the world with some 50 customers and operators, and we are delighted to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to our family."

“Bombardier Commercial Aircraft continues to perform well in Africa, where we have captured 100 per cent market share over more than two years in the large turboprop segment,” he added.

Bombardier regional aircraft have made significant advances in Africa to the point where Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets comprise 50 per cent share of the fleet of 37- to 120-seat aircraft on the continent, with approximately160 aircraft in service, or on order, by more than 50 operators.

As of September 30, 2013 Bombardier had booked 476 firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops.-TradeArabia News Service