Malev purchases Bombardier planes

Malev Hungarian Airlines has announced that it will purchase four Bombardier Q400 planes, for a total of $113 million. This represents a major development and turning point for Hungary’s flag carrier, as it has not operated any turboprop airplanes for years, choosing instead a fleet of Tupolev, Boeing, Fokker and Canadair jets. The last of the Tupolev planes were retired eight years ago. The Q400 turboprops, manufactured by the Canadian aerospace giant, will be incorporated into Malev’s fleet during the winter season. Additionally, the Hungarian national airline plans to purchase an extra four planes by 2012, but unlike the ones to arrive later this year, those will actually be brand new.

Malev will use these Bombardier planes on its short-haul regional routes. One of the reasons why these Canadian aircrafts have become so popular, is because they are seen as highly fuel efficient and are cheaper to operate than regional jets. These planes, however, will ultimately replace the Canadair (CRJ200) jets that Malev currently uses on regional, commuter routes, as well as the five Fokker planes that presently form part of the Hungarian airline’s fleet.

Peter Leonov, Malev’s chief executive officer, noted that the reason that the carrier is turning to the Bombardier Q400 planes, is because they are much more cost effective than other models. The planes are also known to be fairly quiet, spacious and comfortable.

www.malev.com