The Bombardier Q400 has gained Brazilian type certification, enabling the aircraft to operate in the South American nation.
Bombardier is trying to break into the large turboprop market in Brazil, which is currently controlled by rival turboprop manufacturer ATR. Brazilian airlines will be able to operate the Q400 in up to an 86-seat configuration. In late 2013, the Canadian manufacturer introduced an extra capacity seating configuration option for the Q400 in which airlines can operate the turboprop aircraft with 86 seats with a seat pitch of 29 inches.
Bombardier is particularly marketing the extra-capacity version of the aircraft to airlines in developing markets; Thailand’s Nok Air was the launch customer for the type.
“Expanding our commercial aircraft presence in the Latin American market is key to our global expansion strategy and obtaining the Q400 aircraft’s type certification [from National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil] marks an important step in placing aircraft in the region,” Bombardier Commercial Aircraft regional VP-sales for Latin America and the Caribbean Alex Glock said in a statement, adding that the “aircraft will serve the growth-oriented needs of Brazil’s airline industry and prove to be an excellent asset to local operators’ portfolios as they look to expand routes, right-size and develop their networks.”
Canadian Aviation News