#FIA16: Porter Adds Three More Q400s

Long-term Bombardier customer Porter Airlines signed a deal for three additional Q400 turboprops on day two of the Farnborough International Airshow.
The value of the firm order is approximately $93m and will increase the all-Q400 operator’s fleet to 29 aircraft. The first two airframes are scheduled to join the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport-based carrier in December.
“The Toronto-built Bombardier Q400 aircraft is everything you could ask for in a turboprop,” said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porter Airlines. “It is an important component of our award-winning customer experience. The combination of operating efficiency, speed, very low noise levels inside and out, and excellent passenger appeal are unbeatable.”
Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, added: “Porter Airlines and the Q400 aircraft are providing access to a very convenient airport close to downtown Toronto, akin to that of London City Airport in the UK, and the growth in passenger traffic reflects that. The aircraft’s low noise levels on take-off and approach make it a good-neighbour aircraft for the downtown, while its operating economics make it a very valuable asset for an airline.”
Speaking to journalists at the signing ceremony, Deluce confirmed that Porter’s deposits remained in place for the airline’s CS100 order but declined to elaborate on the progress of that deal.
For the third consecutive year, Porter was named the Best Regional Airline in North America at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Deluce said: “Three years in a row is a significant accomplishment. The commitment of our entire team to providing the highest level of service to our passengers is what helps us stay at this consistently high level. I believe that the service aspect of our value proposition sets us apart, and being recognised as North America’s best regional airline is a true representation of this.”