[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Luxair, the national airline of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, has placed a firm order for a Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner and has also taken an option for an additional Q400 NextGen aircraft. The airline currently operates a fleet of six Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGen airliner, the firm order is valued at approximately $32.2 million USD. The value could increase to $65.78 million USD should Luxair exercise its option.

“As part of our ongoing plan to further strengthen our business and increase regional frequencies, we have been utilizing the Q400 aircraft for over seven years, and today we are pleased to announce that our fleet modernization continues with the addition of another one of these high performance turboprops,” said Adrien Ney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Luxair. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft have provided us with operating and performance flexibility, while enhancing passenger convenience and overall comfort.”

“Luxair, though steeped in over 50 years of aviation heritage, has grown today into one of the most modern airlines with one of the youngest fleets in Europe. The many attributes of the Q400 NextGen aircraft - its size, speed, comfort, economics and environmental credentials - have helped position Luxair as a leader in the short- to medium-haul market segment,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Overall, the Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to deliver unmatched performance and operating economics and we're delighted that Luxair has been experiencing success with its fleet,” added Mr. Arcamone.

The order announced today increases firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops to 476 aircraft.