Okinawa-based Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) has been named as the previously-unidentified airline that had signed a firm purchase agreement for five Bombardier Q400 turboprop airliners previously announced in July 2014. RAC, which is a part of the Japan Airlines Group, is also the launch customer of the Q400 cargo-combi variant announced at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014. All five aircraft ordered by RAC will be delivered in combi configuration.
Based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, the transaction is valued at approximately US$168 million.
“Ryukyu Air Commuter shares a long history with Bombardier, collaborating together since 1997 when we first introduced Japan to the Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft. Since then, the Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft has become the backbone of our efficient and productive operation,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter.
“We are proud to unveil Ryukyu Air Commuter as the launch operator of the Q400 combi aircraft and pleased to credit the airline -- with its innovative market insights -- as the major impetus for the launch. The Q400 combi aircraft will provide the right capacity for RAC’s passenger demands as well as the additional cargo service to stimulate the local economies,” said Andy Solem, vice president for Asia Pacific sales, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Recognizing the need to develop Japan’s remote southern islands, RAC will play a big role in extending cargo and payload capability; creating a significant benefit as the new aircraft join the airline’s existing fleet of four Dash 8 Series 100 and one Q300 aircraft.”
The Q400 combi aircraft is available in various configurations. In the layout that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 9,000 lb. of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch, and 58 at 29-inch seat pitch. The Q400 combi aircraft’s “Class C” cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry’s latest regulations.
