Russian Aviation: Bombardier to build the Q400 in Russia starting in 2015

Bombardier (Montreal) is planning to build the DHC-8-402 (marketed as the Q400) in Ulyanovsk, Russia starting in 2015 according to Russian Aviation. The planned output in Russia is two aircraft per month and will be supervised by Bombardier representatives.

Bombardier has not yet confirmed this report.

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In other news, Bombardier Aerospace and Horizon Air (Alaska Horizon) (Seattle/Tacoma) on January 22 celebrated the delivery of the airline’s 51st Q400 turboprop airliner in Portland, Oregon. The aircraft, officially DHC-8-402 N452QX (msn 4459) which is a NextGen model, is the last of three ordered by Horizon Air in June 2013, solidifying the airline’s position as the world’s largest operator of Q400 aircraft.

To recognize the delivery, a Bombardier delegation comprised of key team members who support the Q400 aircraft program, journeyed to Portland to participate in the celebration along with Horizon Air’s employees. The 51st aircraft, which provided a backdrop for the event, bares a special “people-powered” livery that includes the signatures of Horizon Air employees.

Johnson said the three new Q400 NextGen aircraft will allow the airline to begin operations in the state of Alaska on March 3, 2014, with daily flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and Anchorage and Kodiak. Horizon Air flies on behalf of Alaska Airlines and is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

Horizon Air’s Q400 aircraft are equipped with Head-up Guidance Systems (HGS) for all-weather operations, Wide Area Augmentation Systems (WAAS) with approach guidance (LPV) for ILS-like landing minima at remote runways and RNP AR 0.3 to fly curved approaches to airports in difficult terrain. The unmatched capability to land and take off on challenging runways in unsettled weather is another benefit of the Q400 aircraft.

Established in 1981, Horizon Air was acquired in 1986 by Alaska Air Group, Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines. At its start, the airline operated two aircraft and served three destinations in Washington State.

Bombardier has booked firm orders for 480 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Bombardier. DHC-8-402 (Q400) N452QX (msn 4459) was officially handed over to the carrier on December 19, 2013 and wears a special employee signatures color scheme. Alaska Airlines and Alaska Horizon will soon unveil a new livery in 2014.

Alaska Airlines: