New Chinese carrier to launch with Bombardier aircraft
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A new Chinese airline has placed an order for 30 Bombardier turboprop aircraft.
The Canadian planemaker confirmed it has received an order from Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation for 30 Q400 aircraft, which it will use to launch its new regional venture, Sutong Airlines. The order is valued at US$995 million at current list prices.
“Bombardier is pleased to support China’s five-year plan that calls for the expansion of regional airlines,” said Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier’s commercial aircraft division.
“We are thrilled that Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation is looking to the Q400 NextGen aircraft to establish Sutong Airlines’ operations, and we look forward to supporting the up-and-coming airline in supplying regional air transportation service that will allow ease of movement within China.”
Based in Nantong, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, Sutong Airlines plans to launch operations in 2015 using an all-Bombardier fleet. Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation’s president, Zhou Binzhen, said he wants the new regional carrier to “revolutionise air service in Jiangsu”.
“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,” Zhou said.
The Q400 is designed to carry between 70 and 86 passengers on short-haul routes. Bombardier has now received 476 firm orders for the turboprop aircraft.
China is in the midst of a major expansion of its domestic airline sector, with recent government policies allowing several new players to enter the market. Along with Sutong Airlines, other new carriers starting operations in the coming years include Ruili Airlines, Urumqi Airlines, Qingdao Airlines and Zhejiang Loong Airlines.
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