Senegal Airlines has begun service with Bombardier’s Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner, which has been wet-leased from Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Aviation Services LLC
The Q400 NextGen is optimised for short haul operations, is fuel-efficient and has a low carbon footprint. The aircraft has been ordered under a firm purchase agreement between Bombardier and Falcon Aviation Services, signed in February 2014. The two companies signed an MoU in July 2014 to address the need for high-quality aircraft solutions in Africa, said a statement from Bombardier.
Mayoro Racine, CEO of Senegal Airlines, said, “With the assistance of Falcon, the Bombardier Q400 NextGen airliner will help us expand our fleet with a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that has proven to be a robust, reliable and flexible performer in sub-Saharan Africa.”
With this order, Senegal Airlines has joined more than 50 customers and operators of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft worldwide, and has become the 16th country in Africa to join the Bombardier network.
Mahmoud Ismael, chief operating officer of Falcon Aviation Services, added, “We are delighted that we were selected to supply a Q400 NextGen aircraft to support the development of Senegal Airlines’ fleet. Safe operations are essential for further development of the air transport system in Africa and the Q400 NextGen aircraft fits the criteria we have established for this venture. We anticipate more successful placements of Q400 NextGen aircraft into Africa in the near future.”
According to officials from Bombardier, the Q400 NextGen aircraft has become a popular new generation turboprop for Africa. The company’s Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets have made a foray in Africa where approximately 160 aircraft, including more than 50 Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops are in service, or on order.
