Ethiopian Airlines is finalising negotiations with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, to buy five Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.
A senior executive at Ethiopian told Aviation News Online that the management of Ethiopian which has been holding talks with representatives of Bombardier for the past several months. The executive said now the management of Ethiopian is finalising the negotiations to place firm orders for five Q400s.
“Now the two parties are discussing the details of the purchase contract. Hopefully it would be concluded in the coming couple of months,” he said.
Ethiopian acquired eight Q400 aircraft valued at $192 million in 2010. The airline deployed the aircraft on domestic and regional routes. It has leased one of the aircraft to ASKY Airlines based in Togo. According to sources, the management of Ethiopian is happy with the performance of the Q400s.
Q400s are regional aircraft that each has up to 70 seats. Bombardier says the Q400 NextGen aircraft is one of the most technologically advanced regional aircraft in the world. “It has an enhanced cabin, lowest operating costs, low fuel burn and low emissions – providing an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics, with a reduced environmental scorecard.”
The company declined to disclose the discussions it was having with the management of Ethiopia.