THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil, locally known as ANAC, has awarded type certification approval to Bombardier’s 86-seat Q400 aircraft for operation in the region.
The Type Certificate, signifying the local airworthiness of the largest commercial turboprop in-service worldwide, was presented to Bombardier in a ceremony held at ANAC’s offices in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.
“Expanding our commercial aircraft presence in the Latin American market is key to our global expansion strategy and obtaining the Q400 aircraft’s type certification marks an important step in placing aircraft in the region,” said Alex Glock, Regional Vice President, Sales, Latin America & the Caribbean, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “With its operational capability and versatility, the modern, reliable and fuel-efficient Q400 aircraft will serve the growth-oriented needs of Brazil’s airline industry and prove to be an excellent asset to local operators’ portfolios as they look to expand routes, right-size and develop their networks.”
“The addition of the Q400 aircraft’s type certification is significant for Brazil which continues to evolve as a result of organic growth and local investment in infrastructure,” said Dino Ishikura Airworthiness Superintendent, ANAC. “We are pleased to certify the aircraft reflecting the advancements being made to Brazil’s regional aviation landscape.”
In July 2015, Canada and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on civil aviation to promote and expand cooperation to the mutual benefit of both countries. This MOU will help bring together key Canadian and Brazilian public and private stakeholders to discuss collaboration and cooperation in areas such as airport development, air navigation, and safety.
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has a Regional Sales and Marketing Office (RSMO) and parts services depot in Sao Paulo, supported by a dedicated team of local and international experts. The Latin American sales, marketing and customer services team will be strengthened further as the central office is staffed to fully support the region.
Bombardier’s current 20-year commercial aviation market forecast projects deliveries of 1,150 units in the 60- to 150-seat category to Latin America and the Caribbean (including Mexico) through 2034. Of these units, 450 units are expected to be in the Q Series 60- to 100-seat segment, while most of the remainder will be in the 100- to 150-seat segment – the segment for which Bombardier’s new advanced-technology C Series single-aisle aircraft is designed.
About Q Series 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. While it is nimble enough for a steep approach, the Q400 aircraft is also tough enough to land on unpaved runways. It is a certified performer at high altitude airports too, like that of La Paz, Bolivia, one of the world’s highest.
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. Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 546 Q400 aircraft.
