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Bombardier delivers first Q400 to Eurolot

The airline also holds options for an additional 12 of the planes.

The firm order contract is worth about US$246 million at list prices, but would increase to US$625 million if all 20 planes are delivered.

Eurolot launched in 1997 and operates a fleet of 14 aircraft serving both domestic and international destinations.

The Q400 will replace older 46- to 64-seat turboprops supplied by Bombardier rival ATR. Eurolot also operates three Embraer 175 jets, including two for the Polish government.

"This is a very important event for Eurolot as it marks the beginning of our fleet renewal and replacement program as we accelerate our expansion with new regional routes,'' stated Eurolot vice-president Bartlomiej Matusewicz.

He said the Toronto-assembled Q400's fuel-efficiency and operational flexibility will enable the airline to compete in the competitive European market and gain more market access.

Bombardier has placed a priority on improving its sales in emerging markets in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe.

"Bombardier is making headway in many new markets around the world and the introduction of the first Q400 NextGen aircraft to Poland speaks to our global reach and to the aircraft's operating flexibility,'' added Chet Fuller, senior vice-president for Bombardier commercial aircraft.

It has taken the 70- to 80-seat Q400 on demonstration flights in several of the targeted countries, including at an air show in Chile and also plans to tour Russia.

Bombardier has received firm orders for 428 Q400 aircraft and delivered planes to more than 40 operators in 30 countries on six continents.

The world's largest business jet manufacturer also recently took a Learjet 60 XR plane on its first tour of Poland, with a five-city stop for private viewings in conjunction with business air carrier Blue Jet.