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SpiceJet accepts first 90-seater Q400, launches new Amritsar routes
September 28th 2018
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft this week announced the delivery of its first 90-seater Q400 turboprop. Read More » India’s SpiceJet accepted the aircraft on Saturday. The LCC is the launch carrier for the extra-capacity, 90-seater Q400.
“We are excited to induct the 90-seat Q400 aircraft into our fleet,” said SpiceJet chairman and managing director, Ajay Singh. “The additional seats and performance improvements will result in a substantial reduction in unit costs and will address our market needs in the regional space.”
“The first 90-seat Q400 aircraft showcases the commitment of Bombardier’s Q Series turboprop program to address customer requirements as they grow in regional markets,” said head of the Q Series Aircraft Program, Todd Young. “I thank our customer, SpiceJet, for its strong support and collaboration in this continuous improvement program.”
SpiceJet operates approximately 412 daily flights to 47 domestic and seven international destinations. The Gurgaon-headquartered has a fleet of 36 B737NGs and 22 Q400s.
SpiceJet ordered 50 (25 firm and 25 options) of the high-capacity Q400s in 2017. The only other customer for the type is Industrial Bank Financial Leasing Co. (CIB Leasing), which recently converted an order for 10 Bombardier CRJ Series aircraft to five 90-seater Q400 turboprops and five CRJ900 regional jets.
Two months ago, Transport Canada certified the 90-seater Q400. Improvements under development include a 2,000-lb increase in payload capacity and an escalation of the A-Check and C-Check intervals from 600/6,000 to 800/8,000 flight hours.
Separately, SpiceJet this week announced two new B737-800 routes from Amritsar, daily Bangkok and Goa services that will start on November 6. The airline will have a monopoly on both routes.
