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Gurugram, September 29, 2017 : SpiceJet Limited today announced that it
has concluded a firm purchase agreement with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, for up to
50 Q400 turboprop airliners, making it the largest single order ever for the Q400
turboprop aircraft program. Upon delivery, the airline will become the first in the
world to operate a 90-seat turboprop, pending certification by regulatory authorities.
The purchase agreement includes 25 Q400 turboprops and purchase rights on an additional
25 aircraft. Based on list prices, the order is valued at up to US $ 1.7 billion. This
purchase agreement confirms the Paris MoU.
Mr. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said --- “I am
pleased to confirm SpiceJet’s latest order for up to 50 Bombardier Q400 planes that was
announced in the Paris Airshow.. I am sure this fresh order will further enhance
connectivity to smaller towns and cities and help realise Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s vision of ensuring that every Indian can fly.”
“SpiceJet operates India’s largest regional fleet and has always been a firm believer in
the growth story of India’s smaller towns and cities. We have worked hard over the
years to put these smaller towns on the country’s aviation map and will strive do the
same in the times to come.” Further added Mr. Singh.
“We are very proud to firm up this agreement with SpiceJet as it is another
demonstration of the Q400’s unique versatility. This repeat order will not only
increase the Q400 aircraft fleet in the fast-growing regional market in India and in
the Asia-Pacific region but will also launch the high-density 90-passenger model,” said
Mr. Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This
order confirms the airlines’ increased capacity needs on regional routes with high
passenger demand and demonstrates the increased profitability potential that this
unique turboprop configuration has to offer.”
“We have been witnessing growth in the number of passengers per departure in the
turboprop market, and especially in India. Today, Bombardier offers the largest
turboprop aircraft available on the market and SpiceJet will be the first airline to
take advantage of the profitable and efficient operations that the 90-passenger
high-density Q400 will offer them,” said Mr. François Cognard, Vice President,
Sales, South-Asia and Australasia.
Since 2010, SpiceJet has taken delivery of 15 Q400 aircraft. The airline currently
operates 20 Q400 aircraft in a 78-seat configuration to domestic and international
destinations. When concluded, this fleet expansion will provide SpiceJet the ability to
grow profitably and leverage the robust demand forecast in the world’s fastest growing
regional aviation market. SpiceJet operates India’s largest regional fleet and is the
only organized operator in this space. The airline had earlier this year placed an
order for up to 225 narrow and wide-body jets with Boeing.
SpiceJet, a key participant in the government’s UDAN or the Regional Connectivity Scheme
(RCS), was awarded six proposals and eleven routes under the first phase of the RCS and
is the only airline which hasn’t sought subsidy or viability gap funding under this
scheme.
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