Eznis Airways (Ulaanbaatar) has become the world’s latest operator of Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) turboprop in Mongolia. Bombardier issued the following statement:

“Bombardier Aerospace on September 21 welcomed Eznis Airways LLC to the growing family of Bombardier Q400 aircraft operators. Eznis Airways LLC, the largest private airline in Mongolia, has acquired a previously owned Q400 aircraft (DHC-8-402 JU-9919, msn 4106, ex C-GDXC and JA849A) and has started service in the country with the fast and fuel-efficient turboprop. Eznis acquired the Q400 aircraft through Nordic Aviation Capital, the Denmark-based leasing company.

Eznis’ acquisition of the Q400 aircraft follows the type acceptance certification that was awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia in May, 2012 for operation of the aircraft in the Central Asia nation. The certification in Mongolia preceded the decision in June, 2012 by the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) – commonly known by its Russian acronym, MAK – to award aircraft type approval to the Q400 turboprop for operation in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Powered by two new-generation, 5,071-shaft horsepower (shp) PW150A engines, and capable of flying at a speed of up to 360 knots (667 km/h), the Q400 aircraft can quickly climb above the strong summer head winds which blow across Mongolia, and also access the high elevation airports in mountainous regions of the country. Its steep approach capabilities allow the aircraft to quickly descend over the mountains to easily navigate the strong northerly winds found at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in UIaanbaatar, where Eznis is based.

The Q400 aircraft has been certified for gravel runway operations that predominate in rural Mongolia, which enables Eznis to fly mining charter customers directly to mine sites, while the aircraft’s large baggage compartment allows ample storage of mining provisions.”

Image: Bombardier.