The Government of Tanzania has signed a firm purchase agreement with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, Canada for two Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.

According to Bombardier, the aircraft which will be delivered with a 76-seat, dual-lavatory configuration, will be used for commercial airline operations in the region, although no particular airline was mentioned.

Based on the prevailing list price of the Bombardier Q400 airliner, the firm order is valued at approximately US $62 million.

"The Q400 aircraft will provide affordable, convenient and comfortable air transport solutions" said Dr. Leonard Chamuriho, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Works and Communication, Tanzania.

“Tanzania is a large country with some challenging airfields, and the Q400 turboprop’s capability to operate at these airports, its jet-like speed, long-range cruise capability and outstanding turboprop economics were key factors that guided us in selecting the aircraft for our operations,” added Dr. Chamuriho.

Bombardier’s Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets have made significant advances in Africa where approximately 160 aircraft are in service with, or ordered by, approximately 40 customers.