GE Capital Aviation Services Leases Three New Bombardier Q400 Aircraft to Air Berlin to Increase the Airline's Q400 Aircraft Fleet to 20

photo credit: www.premaircraft.com

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today congratulated Air Berlin PLC of Berlin, Germany on its lease of three new Q400 aircraft from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The Q400 aircraft, part of GECAS' order book of five announced on December 31, 2014, will increase the Air Berlin Q400 aircraft fleet to 20.



"The Bombardier Q400 turboprop is a perfect choice for our regional routes," said Stefan Pichler, Chief Executive Officer, Air Berlin. "It has replaced jets on thin routes that don't require the capacity of larger jets; it allows us to increase frequencies on some routes at less cost than a jet; it flies point-to-point between smaller city pairs; and it feeds our major hubs. It does all of these things economically, reliably, and with the environmental sensitivity that is vital in Europe."

"The demand for economical turboprops continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Air Berlin," said Alec Burger, President and Chief Executive Officer, GECAS. "Air Berlin recognizes the many qualities the Q400 aircraft offers in terms of operating efficiencies, performance and economics."

"Air Berlin's operations illustrate the capabilities and qualities of the Q400 aircraft that make it uniquely suitable for diverse operations, and a valuable asset in the portfolio of aircraft leasing companies," said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "We are confident that leasing companies and Q400 turboprop operators will find many more opportunities to work together for their mutual benefit."

About Q400 aircraft

Designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. In addition to the standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; in an optional extra-capacity configuration with up to 86 seats for high-density markets; and in a combi configuration.

Thanks to its combination of turboprop attributes, jet-like features, industry-leading passenger experience and environmental footprint, the Q400 aircraft is exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to a variety of business models. By offering a 30 per cent reduction in fuel burn over the jets it often replaces, the Q400 aircraft radically reduces carbon emissions and increases cost efficiency. Its high-speed cruise -- 160 km/h faster than conventional turboprops -- places the aircraft's flight time within minutes of jet schedules, at the same seat cost as larger single-aisle jets. Its large propellers operate at a lower RPM, generating more power with less noise and making it a friendly option for city centres.

The Q400 aircraft family includes over 60 owners and operators in almost 40 countries worldwide and the worldwide fleet has logged more than 6 million flight hours. The aircraft has transported more than 370 million passengers worldwide. Long recognized as a high-value asset by operators, the Q400 aircraft is now also attracting growing interest from the leasing community.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 547 Q400 aircraft.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion.

(culled from http://www.otcmarkets.com/)