Thai carrier Nok is to become the launch customer of Bombardier's extra seating capacity option for the Q400 after placing a firm order for two of the type.
Nok Air has also taken options for two more Q400s and purchase rights on four others. No deliveries dates have been released.
"We are delighted that Nok Air will not only be the first to operate the Q400 aircraft in the Southeast Asia region, but also be the launch customer for our new extra capacity option," says Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
Flightglobal Pro reported at the end of October that the Canadian manufacturer had secured a launch customer for the high density option. Nok confirmed in early November that it would be ordering Q400s as replacements for its existing ATR 72 fleet.
The new high capacity version of the Q400 will seat 86 passengers in a single-class configuration with a 29in seat pitch. The additional seating is made possible through the removal of a forward baggage cabin and the conversion of the forward cargo door into a passenger door. Another version with 84 seats at a 29in pitch with a larger baggage area will also be offered.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
