Island Air To Buy Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 Series

Hawaii Island Air has ordered two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 NextGen turboprops, with plans to replace its ATR 72 fleet.

The order is valued at $60.9 million at list prices and includes four options, according to the Canadian airframer.

Hawaii Island Air ATR-72 Inflight

“As part of our ongoing restructuring and expansion strategy, the Island Air team considered a number of aircraft and we are pleased to announce the selection of the Q400 NextGen turboprop,” says Paul Casey, president and chief executive of the regional carrier, in a statement. “With its superior speed, performance and fuel efficiency; outstanding operational flexibility; and market-leading passenger comfort, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is the optimal solution for our needs.”

The Q400s will be configured with 71 seats in two classes. Island Air operates five ATR 72-200 aircraft configured with 64 seats. Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison bought the regional carrier, which operates intra-island flights in Hawaii, in February 2013.