Bombardier has sold its Dash 8 Q400 turboprop airliner programme to Viking Aircraft. The definitive agreement between Bombardier and Viking covers the Q400 programme operations at the Downs view manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada, and all assets, intellectual property and type certificates associated with the Q400 and the earlier generation DHC-8 Series 100, 200 and 300 aircraft. The transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The sale is part of what Bombardier called a “streamlining” of its business, which will also result in 5,000 job losses over the next 18 months.
The agreement marks another step away by Bombardier from producing airliners. Airbus took majority control of the former C Series (now A220) airliner earlier in 2018 and Bombardier previously sold its amphibious aircraft and Twin Otter programmes to Viking.
A Bombardier statement said its “full attention is turning to the CRJ programme” and that it will “continue to actively participate in the regional aircraft market with our established, scope-compliant aircraft”. The company said its focus is now on reducing costs and increasing volumes “while optimising the aftermarket” for in-service CRJs. The company said: “As we look to return the CRJ to profitability, we will also explore strategic options for the programme.” Mark Broadbent
