Aircraft
Bombardier’s 90-seat Q400 Gets Transport Canada Nod
Launch customer SpiceJet to take first example later this year
SpiceJet has now taken delivery of 23 Bombardier Q400s in a 78-seat configuration. (Photo: Bombardier)
SpiceJet has now taken delivery of 23 Bombardier Q400s in a 78-seat configuration. (Photo: Bombardier)

Bombardier’s 90-passenger Q400 aircraft configuration has received certification from Transport Canada, making it the first commercial turboprop in production to reach that capacity, the company announced Wednesday. Engineers managed to increase the Q400’s capacity from 78 to 90 seats with some relatively minor modifications to the positioning of the rear bulkhead and replacement of the starboard side baggage door with a passenger door. The company says the increase results in a 15-percent reduction in operating cost, a major draw for low-fare airlines such as India’s SpiceJet.