Almost all Bombardier Q400 aircraft operators around the world have returned their aircraft to service after meeting the requirements of Transport Canada’s Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to main landing gear inspections.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines announced today that, starting October 4, eight of their aircraft would be phased back into service. Widerøe Flyveselskap also confirmed that it plans to return three of their Q400 aircraft back into service on October 4. With the return of these 11 aircraft to full service, approximately  90 per cent of the Bombardier Q400 aircraft fleet will be back in operation (or approximately 149 out of a total fleet of 165 aircraft).

Approximately 90% of Bombardier Q400 worldwide fleet back into service

Bombardier working with SAS as its Q400 fleet returns to schedule

Bombardier and landing gear manufacturer Goodrich remain focused on supporting the work at SAS and Widerøe, where a comprehensive program of inspections and replacement of components on Bombardier Q400 aircraft has been implemented. The balance of their 16 aircraft will be operational by October 15, 2007.

“The swift and decisive actions by Bombardier and its partners minimized service disruptions and helped to reassure the traveling public,” said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “Most of the world’s Q400 aircraft are now back in service and providing customers with high comfort and low noise levels”. 

Since it was introduced into revenue service with SAS seven years ago, the Q400 fleet has logged more than one million safe and reliable flying hours.