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Bombardier Continues African Market Growth

Ghanaian airline PassionAir is set to receive pre-owned Q400s as Bombardier continues to increase its presence within the African market.  The new Accra-based carrier acquired the aircraft through a dry-lease with a third party; with the turboprops to operate in a 78-seat configuration on a selection of domestic routes.

Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle East and Africa, at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said: “Our market penetration in Africa continues to intensify, and we are pleased to welcome PassionAir as the first commercial airline operating a Bombardier regional aircraft in the Republic of Ghana.”

With over 3,500 aircraft sold to date, Bombardier is looking to boost the African commercial aircraft market through the sale of pre-owned aircraft.

Boutibou continued: “Our recent momentum on the pre-owned aircraft market worldwide is a clear indication that our products are addressing a growing need for regional air transportation, especially in emerging markets.”

Edward Annan, Chief Executive Officer, PassionAir added: “The Q400 offers the performance and flexibility that we need to further develop our network. With a range that unlocks great opportunities for us, we are confident that we will capitalise on a larger market, which extends to 12 countries and over 180 million potential passengers out of Accra.

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Jambojet Lines up Q400s

Ilyushin Finance Co (IFC) has converted an option on a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 turboprop into a firm order after agreeing to lease the aircraft to Jambojet, the low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways. The lessor now has two Q400s on firm order with both aircraft destined to fly with the Kenyan carrier.

“This agreement for these next generation turboprops signifies a key development in IFC’s international leasing business,” said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. “The demand for high-performance turboprops, such as the Q400, continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Jambojet.”

Jambojet, which already operates two Q400s, is expected to receive the first aircraft this month with the second scheduled for delivery later this year.

“We are impressed with the level of professionalism that IFC exhibited throughout the process that led to this first agreement, and are delighted to have found a trusted and reliable partner to support our development plans,” said Willem Hondius, CEO, Jambojet. “The Q400 aircraft’s performance has exceeded our expectations on all fronts.  With its low operating costs and best-in-class passenger experience, the Q400 turboprop has helped us optimise and expand our operations and is undeniably the backbone of Jambojet’s growth strategy.”

Jean-Paul Boutibou, VP, Sales, Middle East and Africa at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, added: “We are proud of the Q400 aircraft continued success in Africa. Jambojet’s operations illustrate the capabilities and qualities of the Q400 aircraft that make it uniquely suitable for the region.  The Q400 is a valuable asset for owners and operators, and we are confident that IFC and Jambojet will find many more opportunities to mutually benefit from the aircraft’s outstanding economics and performance.”