Rwandair has acquired a new Bombardier dual-class Q400 NextGen airplane to boost its expansion plans and service delivery.

"The Q400 NextGen aircraft will position us well to offer increased capacity on popular routes that have been serviced with the 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft… This is the right aircraft to develop our growing domestic and regional markets,” Jean Paul Nyirubutama, the RwandAir deputy chief executive officer, said while receiving the aircraft at a delivery ceremony at Bombardier’s Toronto (Canada) site, where the Q400 NextGen aircraft is manufactured. 

"The Q400 NextGen aircraft’s modern cabin and superior performance will also help us build new markets where regional air service today is served by older-generation jets. The aircraft will firmly support RwandAir on the path towards growth and increased profitability,” he added. 

Nyirubutama said the aircraft offers similar cabin amenities on the Q400 NextGen aircraft and the airline’s recently acquired dual-class Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets, "the two complementary aircraft types will provide seamless passenger service, permitting us to align total fleet strategy towards a unified passenger experience”.

The new acquisition will be a great boost to the airline’s expansion drive, especially as it launches a new route to Douala, Cameroon at the end of this month.

"The Q400 NextGen turboprop has proven its capability, flexibility and ruggedness in many regions of the world and is operating with distinction in diverse environments. We are confident that it will serve RwandAir and its customers well,” said Mike Arcamone, the president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.