DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES--(Marketwired - Nov 18, 2013) - Bombardier Aerospace today announced that Abidjan-based airline, Air Côte d'Ivoire, has signed a conditional purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen aircraft with options for an additional two Q400 NextGen aircraft. Air Côte d'Ivoire is the national airline of Ivory Coast.

Based on list price, the contract value for two firm-ordered Q400 NextGen aircraft would be approximately $69 million US. Should the two options be converted to firm orders, the contract value would increase to $141 million US.

"The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers' requirements and integrate well into our fleet," said René Decurey, Chief Executive Officer, Air Côte d'Ivoire. "We will capitalize on the Q400 NextGen aircraft's outstanding performance -- including its high speed and long-range cruise capability - as we look to modernize our fleet and expand our domestic and regional route network. Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficient Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations."

"We are proud that Bombardier is contributing to the growth strategy of Air Côte d'Ivoire, and that the carrier could potentially double the size of its current fleet with Q400 NextGen aircraft as it further develops its network of short- and medium-haul destinations," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The Q400 NextGen aircraft is performing superbly in diverse environments around the world with some 50 customers and operators, and we are delighted to welcome Air Côte d'Ivoire to our family.

"Bombardier Commercial Aircraft continues to perform well in Africa, where we have captured 100 per cent market share over more than two years in the large turboprop segment," added Mr. Arcamone.

Bombardier regional aircraft have made significant advances in Africa to the point where Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets comprise 50 per cent share of the fleet of 37- to 120-seat aircraft on the continent, with approximately160 aircraft in service, or on order, by more than 50 operators.

As of September 30, 2013 Bombardier had booked 476 firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops.

About Q400 NextGen aircraft

The Q400 NextGen turboprop is the most recent development in the evolution of the Q400 aircraft and the advanced successor to Bombardier's Dash 8/Q-Series family of aircraft. Optimized for short-haul operations, the "comfortably greener," 70- to 80-seat Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.