Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Calgary-based WestJet Encore Ltd. has signed a firm order for nine Q400 turboprops. The transaction is a conversion of options booked by the airline’s parent company WestJet and will increase WestJet Encore’s fleet to 45 Q400 aircraft.

Based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, the transaction is valued at $293 million US.

“Bombardier’s Toronto-built Q400 turboprop airliner has allowed us to expand from our Western Canada base to more and more communities from coast to coast across Canada and into the U.S. and welcome more guests to experience WestJet’s hospitality,” said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. “These nine new superb Q400 aircraft will continue to grow our network.”

“In just three years WestJet Encore’s operations have grown from two Q400 aircraft serving just two cities, to 28 aircraft serving 36 destinations in Canada and the U.S. With this order, WestJet Encore has 17 aircraft still to be delivered which will allow further expansion of the airline’s network,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President, Regional Aircraft, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This continuing build-up of WestJet Encore’s fleet is a strong testimonial to the Q400 aircraft’s economics, reliability, flexibility and passenger appeal.”