Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Air Inuit Ltd. announced today that they are working together on a passenger-to-freighter conversion for the Q300 turboprop aircraft. The freighter will include a large cargo door.

Dorval, Québec-based Air Inuit, a long-time operator of Q300 aircraft has championed this modification and will be the launch customer for the conversion. In support of this conversion, a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) will be developed under license by a specialized third party entity.

“With its excellent airfield performance – especially on gravel runways – the Q300 aircraft is well  adapted for remote operations like those required to support Canada’s resource industries and Northern Communities,” said Christian Busch, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Air Inuit.

“The Q300 aircraft has served us well in our passenger, charter and cargo operations in Nunavik and other markets for many years, and we look forward to enhancing our cargo services with three Q300 Large Cargo Door freighters.”

“The cost-effective Bombardier Q Series aircraft continue to prove their high value with more than 150 operators around the world,” said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“The passenger-to-freighter conversion will offer an outstanding opportunity for additional utilization of the robust, reliable platform that the Q300 aircraft provides. We thank Air Inuit for its enthusiasm and assistance in moving this project forward.”

The converted Q300 aircraft is expected to have a cargo capacity of 12,500 lb with an optimized cargo door. The aircraft will accommodate palletized and free load cargo.

Air Inuit currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft that includes two Bombardier Q100 and 10 Q300 turboprops.

About Q Series Aircraft

The Q Series family of aircraft combines advanced technology and superior design features to provide the ruggedness and performance required in the high-frequency, short-haul regional airline environment. The flexibility of the Q Series family of aircraft has also resulted in its being adapted for a wide variety of non-airline roles such as cargo service, medical evacuation, corporate transport, airways and navigation aid calibration, navigator training and maritime patrol.

Currently, over 1,100 Q Series aircraft are in service with more than 150 operators worldwide.