[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Bombardier Aerospace today announced that its purchase agreement with Abidjan-based airline, Air Cote d‘Ivoire, is now firm. The transaction, which was announced as a conditional purchase agreement on November 18 during the Dubai Airshow, covers two Q400 NextGen aircraft with options for an additional two. Air Cote d’Ivoire is the national airline of Ivory Coast.

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

During the Airshow, Rene Decurey, Chief Executive Officer, Air Cote d‘Ivoire said: “The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into our fleet. 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.”