Air Berlin PLC has placed a firm order for ten type Q400 turboprop aircraft with Bombardier, the Canadian manufacturer, and has an option on a further 10 planes. The airline expects to receive four Q400 aircraft this year and the remaining six in 2009. The 76-seater turboprops are primarily designed as a replacement for the Fokker 100 jets, which Germania is currently operating for Air Berlin.
The list price for ten firm orders is 267 million US dollars although Air Berlin negotiated a fleet price with Bombardier. The entire contract is being funded via HSH Nordbank AG, a bank that is a world-renowned expert in aircraft finance. Air Berlin will be leasing the Q400s to LGW Walter, its co-operation partner, who will then use them on Air Berlin’s route network.
On Wednesday Air Berlin
