MONTREAL -- Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has delivered its first 90-seat Q400 aircraft to India’s SpiceJet Limited, the launch customer for the extra-capacity, 90-seat aircraft.
"The additional seats and performance improvements will result in substantial reduction in unit costs," said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. "and also we will be able to address our market needs in the regional space."
SpiceJet operates 412 average daily flights to 54 destinations, including 47 domestic and 7 international ones. The airline connects its network with a fleet of 36 Boeing 737NG and 22 Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The majority of the airline’s fleet offers SpiceMax, the most spacious economy class seating in India.
"This is a very important milestone for the Q400 aircraft program because the 90-seat option demonstrates the increased profitability potential that this unique turboprop has to offer," said Colin Bole, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The increased passenger capacity allows 15 per cent reduction of seat cost compared to the previous standard Q400 aircraft and provides an enormous benefit for airlines."