Croatia Airlines of Zagreb, Croatia has signed a firm order for four 76-seat Q400 high-speed airliners and has taken options on two additional Q400 aircraft. The value of the firm orders, based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, is approximately $105 million US.

The Q400 aircraft will replace three 48-seat ATR42 turboprops in Croatia Airlines’ fleet, which also includes four Airbus A320 and four A319 aircraft.

“The high speed and excellent operating economics of the Q400 aircraft made it the obvious choice for our shorter range routes which require an increase in capacity and allow us to fly some of the longer routes which are not suited for the Airbus aircraft,” said Dr. Ivan Misetic, President and Chief Executive Officer, Croatia Airlines. “In addition, the Q400 airliner has superb environmental credentials, which are extremely important not only in Europe but everywhere around the world.”

“I am delighted that Croatia Airlines will be joining the Bombardier Q400 aircraft family,” said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “The Q400 is at the forefront of a new era of turboprop travel because of its economy of operation, quiet, comfortable cabin, and environmental friendliness.”

Croatia Airlines also operates Pleso Prijevoz, a coach operator; and Amadeus Croatia, a partner in the Amadeus joint reservation system.

The transaction with Croatia Airlines increases the total number of Q400 aircraft orders to 250. As of April 30, 2007, 152 of these had been delivered to customers in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
——-