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First CRJ900s for Uganda Airlines

Uganda Airlines has received two new Bombardier CRJ900s. The delivery forms part of an order for four examples, placed by the Uganda National Airlines Company in July 2018. The new carrier has selected the regional jets fitted with the manufacturer’s Atmosphere cabin for its debut, making it the first operator in Africa to roll out the enhanced passenger offering.

The CRJ900 delivery ceremony – held at Bombardier’s Mirabel facility in Québec – was attended by executives of both Uganda Airlines and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft as well as several shop floor employees who build the jets.

Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda National Airlines said: “We are thrilled to commence our operations with the world’s leading regional jet, and we look forward to providing the most modern passenger experience in regional aviation to the people of Uganda and across Africa.”

The African carrier as opted for a dual-class configuration for the new examples, with 76 seats including 12 in first class.

Dignitaries from Uganda met with the Bombardier team in Mirabel. (Photo: Bombardier)

Fred Cromer, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft added: “We congratulate Uganda Airlines for taking delivery of their very first CRJ900 jetliner fitted with the Atmosphere cabin. The CRJ Series is recognised for its superior economics and efficiency and I am confident that it will be the stepping stone for the development of Uganda’s regional air travel.”

In a separate development, the airline has formalised its interest in two Airbus A330-800 examples. The Entebbe-based company is only the second customer for the smaller of the two A330neo variants, following Kuwait Airways’ order for eight in November. The neos are expected to establish a medium- and long-haul network, with destinations to Europe and the Middle East understood to be under consideration.

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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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Dubai: EgyptAir Selects CS300

EgyptAir has signed a letter of intent (LOI) for up to 24 Bombardier CS300s.

The deal, which was announced on day three of the Dubai Airshow, consists of 12 airframes and 12 purchase rights.  If EgyptAir exercises all 12 purchase rights, the firm order is valued at nearly $2.2bn.

“It is our pleasure to have this new partnership with Bombardier, which came as a continuation of our fleet modernisation strategy,” explained Safwat Musallam, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company.  “We undertook a thorough evaluation process of our fleet and realised that the CS300 would fit perfectly into our business plans and growth strategy.”

Musallam highlighted the aircraft’s range as a key factor in the airline’s decision saying it enabled the carrier to serve domestic and regional destinations as well as the Middle East and Europe.

“We look forward to expanding our network with the CS300 and we are happy to see that the partnership announced with Airbus will bring added support to the C Series programme,” he added.

Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: “We’re thrilled that EgyptAir selected the CS300 aircraft to renew its fleet.  Bombardier’s 20-year market outlook foresees demand for 450 airplanes in the 60- to 150-seat category for the region and this LOI confirms the need for right-sized aircraft in the Middle East.  We are confident that our small single-aisle C Series is ideally-suited to serve the hot temperature environments of the region and will undoubtedly provide performance and economics that will drive higher profitability.”

Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft (left) and Safwat Musallam, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company, sign the paperwork in Dubai. (Photo Bombardier)

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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.”