"As we continue to grow our leasing fleet, we are pleased to be adding up to 15 more Q400 NextGen aircraft," said Norman C.T. Liu, president and CEO, GECAS. "We have seen a growing demand for turboprop aircraft worldwide and the Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally positioned to meet the needs of regional airlines now and in the future. Our customers value the performance, operating efficiency, and flexibility that this aircraft provides."

Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft added: "We are delighted that GECAS has chosen to acquire additional Q400 NextGen aircraft. With the world's largest leased commercial aircraft fleet, GECAS' continued acquisition of the Q400 NexGen turboprop is a strong endorsement of the value, in-service performance and reliability the aircraft provides."

Optimized for short-haul operations and capable of seating up to 86 passengers, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.

Arcamone added: “The Q400 NextGen aircraft is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency. The aircraft's economics and operational flexibility allow airlines to profitably deploy it in a variety of ways to serve typical short-haul turboprop routes, as well as medium-haul jet markets.”

Q400 NextGen aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; an optional extra-capacity configuration with up to 86 seats for high-density markets; and a cargo-passenger combi-configuration.

Including GECAS's order, Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 519 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide,Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 355 million passengers and have logged over 5.7 million flight hours and more than 6.1 million take-offs and landings.

The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes some 50 owners and operators in over 40 countries on six continents. Long recognized as a high-value asset by operators, the Q400 aircraft is now also attracting growing interest from the leasing community.