Another China deal for Bombardier
Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Bombardier Aerospace to acquire 30 firm Q400 NextGen aircraft, as it prepares to launch commercial airline operations in China through an airline to be named “Sutong Airlines.”
Sutong Airlines, to be based in Nantong, Jiangsu plans to operate an all-Bombardier fleet of Q400 NextGen airliners when it starts operations in 2015.
Based on Q400 NextGen aircraft list price, a firm order would be valued at approximately US$995 million.
“With its regional aviation model set to revolutionize air service in Jiangsu, one of China’s most affluent and fast-growing provinces, Sutong Airlines will not only make travelling increasingly convenient for the people of Jiangsu, but will also bring tremendous economic benefits to the economies and communities of the province,” said Zhou Binzhen, president, Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation. “Bombardier’s Q400 NextGen airliner fulfils our business plan requirement for a high-performance regional aircraft that is fast, reliable, economical and comfortable.”
“As the sole aircraft manufacturer with three distinct and optimized families of aircraft in the regional and single-aisle market segments of up to 149 seats, Bombardier is pleased to support China’s five-year plan that calls for the expansion of regional airlines,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
