WestJet Airlines announced today that it has selected Bombardier to supply the airliners for its new regional service. The airline has placed firm orders for 20 Bombardier Q400s and taken options on 25 others. The delivery schedule is for the aircraft to be delivered over the next six years. WestJet expects to launch their regional subsidiary in the first quarter of 2013.
There had been some speculation the order could go to ATR of France, but this announcement ended that rumor.
The cost of the order was not announced by the airline or Bombardier. The aircraft will be built at Bombardier’s Downsview factory.
WestJet also released its first quarter 2012 financial report, which included a record first-quarter profit. The airline’s net income was $68.3 million, or 49 cents, per diluted share; up from $48.2 million, or 34 cents per diluted share in the first quarter of 2011. Revenue was nearly $891 million, up from $772.4 million a year earlier.
