TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct 27, 2014) - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today congratulates Flybe on the launch of the airline's London City Airport operations. Flybe will utilize its fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft to siginificantly boost connectivity between Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Inverness, Exeter and the heart of London.

"Flybe is a valued, long-time Bombardier customer and today marks a significant landmark in the growth of the airline as it inaugurates its much-anticipated re-entry at London City Airport, said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Sales, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Earlier this year we entered into a strategic agreement designed to operationally enhance Flybe's fleet, and now -- with the airline's recent third-party acquisition of an additional 24 aircraft that will increase its fleet to 59 -- Flybe will become the largest operator of Q400 turboprops in the world. We are pleased that Flybe continues to show its long-term commitment to the Q400 aircraft and excited by the airline's future prospects."

"From today, purple Flybe Q400 aircraft will be a regular feature in the skies above the City of London as we begin daily services with six aircraft into/from London City Airport. This can only benefit our profile and reach over the longer term as knowledge of Flybe's role in connecting the UK regions and Ireland with London becomes more widespread. Our new London City routes provide direct links for customers in the regions to the heart of London's financial district," added Saad Hammad, Chief Executive Officer, Flybe.

With the introduction of the Q400 aircraft, Bombardier invented the modern turboprop and it is ideally suited for operations at London City Airport. It is one of the world's most technologically advanced and community-friendly aircraft, with environmental credentials that allow it to service some of the most noise-sensitive airports across the globe. In addition, the Q400 aircraft's ability to operate on short runways and its jet-like climb make it suitable for operation in heavily populated, urban environments such as London City Airport.

About Q400 aircraft

Optimized for short-haul operations, the Q400 aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.

The Q400 aircraft is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency. The aircraft's economics and operational flexibility allow airlines to profitably deploy it in a variety of ways to serve typical short-haul turboprop routes, as well as medium-haul jet markets.

Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; an optional extra-capacity configuration with up to 86 seats for high-density markets; and a cargo-passenger combi configuration.

As of September 30, 2014 Bombardier had recorded firm orders for a total of 514 Q400 aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in close to 40 countries on five continents.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

Images of Q400 aircraft in Flybe's livery are posted with this press release at www.bombardier.com.

Additional information on the Q400 NextGen aircraft is available at www.q400nextgen.com.

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Bombardier, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.