[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]As Bombardier Aerospace‘s technologically advanced Q400 NextGen airliner heads to Africa on another leg of its 2012 world tour, its journey is boosted by WestJet’s announcement earlier today, that the Q400 NextGen airliner has been selected to meet the airline's business requirement for up to 45 turboprop aircraft to launch its regional airline.

“This is a very proud day for Bombardier. We are thrilled to learn that WestJet has selected the Q400 NextGen aircraft for its fleet expansion requirements, just as the ”Get More“ demonstration aircraft travels to Africa for another series of demonstration tours,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "This same aircraft kicked off its world tour in March 2012 with a visit to Calgary, Alberta - home of our WestJetter friends and was able to successfully showcase why our new-generation turboprop aircraft fits perfectly with WestJet's brand. We are pleased to welcome WestJetters to the Bombardier family and we look forward to continuing to work with the WestJet team to finalize the purchase agreement related to its selection of the Q400 NextGen aircraft.

“The Q400 NextGen aircraft was selected on its superior merit as the turboprop best suited for the growth-minded operations of WestJet. As a productivity machine, the Q400 NextGen aircraft delivers 78 seats with ample cargo volume to meet the needs of WestJet and its guests. This versatile aircraft is efficient on short-haul missions or can use its speed to reach regional destinations further afield - making it competitive with jets on longer sectors. With an unmatched balance of speed, comfort, cost efficiencies and highly regarded environmental qualities, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is a perfect fit for WestJet,” added Mr. Arcamone.

The “Get More” Q400 NextGen airliner will be on display and conduct demonstration flights on more than 10 African stops. Q400 aircraft are proving their high value by operating in all kinds of diverse environments - cold weather operations in Canada and Eastern Europe; arid environments of the Middle East and Northern Africa and the humid environments in Western North America and sub-Saharan Africa. No other turboprop performs like the Q400 aircraft in these environments.

“Our demonstration flights in Western Canada, Chile and Peru earlier this year were exceedingly successful and we look forward to showcasing our Q400 NextGen aircraft in Africa in the coming weeks,” said Raphael Haddad, Vice President, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "More than 200 Bombardier CRJ Series regional jets and Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops - including some 42 Q400 aircraft - are already operating, or are on order, in Africa and the Middle East where they have been deployed in a variety of markets.

“The Q400 NextGen airliner is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency which allows the aircraft to deliver the best flexibility and overall operating economics in its market segment,” added Mr. Haddad.

Bombardier‘s 2011-2030 market forecast predicts that while starting from a small base, the Middle East and Africa will capture seven per cent, or 980 of the 13,100 worldwide deliveries expected in the 20- to 149-seat market segment. In November 2011, Bombardier Aerospace announced the establishment of a Bombardier Commercial Aircraft regional sales and marketing office in Dubai to serve the Middle East and Africa. The facility, which is located in the Dubai Free Zone near Dubai International Airport, extends Bombardier’s global presence and provides closer proximity to current customers and prospects in the Middle East and Africa.

Bombardier has booked firm orders for 428 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners. The delivered aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 177 million passengers and have logged more than 3.2 million flight hours and over 3.5 million take-offs and landings.