Summary The Q400 entered commercial service in 2000 and over 300 aircraft are operated by many airlines globally. It's popular in America with WestJet, Air Canada Jazz Air, and Porter Airlines being top operators. Major Asian operators include ANA Wings, SpiceJet, and PAL Express, with African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines also utilizing it.
It has been over 25 years since Bombardier's Q400 took its first flight in January 1998. In February 2000, the aircraft entered commercial service with SAS Commuter, and years later, in June 2019, the Q Series aircraft program was taken over by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada from Bombardier. Over the past twenty-plus years, the Q400 has proven to be a popular and comfortable short-haul aircraft.
In early 2021, De Havilland announced that it had halted production of the Q400; nevertheless, there are still 342 Q400s operating with airlines worldwide. All data in this article is based on information from ch-aviation . North and South America The q400 has captured widespread popularity in North America, especially in Canada - the home turf of Bombardier and De Havilland.
The Q400 is incorporated into the fleets of multiple legacy and low-cost carriers across the continent. WestJet regional brand WestJet Encore is the largest operator in North America, boasting an impressive fleet of 47 Q400s. The airline took delivery of its first Q400 in June 2013.
WestJet has the Q400 configured to accommodate 78 passengers in a two-by-two configuration.
