SpiceJet of India (www.spicejet.com) has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft (www.bombardier.com) for up to 50 Q400 turboprop airliners.

This covers 25 Q400 turboprops plus options on an additional 25 aircraft. Based on the Q400 turboprop list price, the order could be worth up to $1.7 billion.

Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: “When finalised, the order will increase the Q400 aircraft fleet in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market and launch the high-density 86-passenger model of the Q400 aircraft in India.”

Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director of SpiceJet, added: “The acquisition will help us further increase connectivity to smaller towns and cities and help to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring that every Indian has the opportunity to fly.”

Since 2010, SpiceJet has taken delivery of 15 Q400 aircraft. The airline currently operates 20 Q400 aircraft with a 78-seat configuration to domestic and international destinations.

Bombardier’s Q-series turboprops and CRJ-series regional jets have made significant advances in the Asia-Pacific region, where about 190 aircraft (including more than 165 Q-series turboprops) are in service with — or on order by — over 25 customers and operators. World-wide, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 585 Q400 aircraft.