[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Bombardier Aerospace welcomed today Malawian Airlines of Lilongwe, Malawi, to its family of operators, following the airline's introduction to service of a Q400 NextGen turboprop last month. As the 15th operator of the most successful turboprop in Africa, Malawian Airlines has launched domestic and international flights with a dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft acquired from co-owner Ethiopian Airlines.

Founded in July 2013, Malawian Airlines is a public-private partnership between the Government of Malawi, Ethiopian Airlines and Malawian institutional and individual investors.

“The dual-class configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is fitting in perfectly as we look to provide affordable and convenient air transport solutions to business and leisure travelers. With its outstanding performance - including its high speed and long-range cruise capability - we are keen to expand further over the next few months as our business plans grow to include new markets in the region, as well as higher frequencies,” said Kassim Geresu, Chief Executive Officer, Malawian Airlines.

“Furthermore, with the high costs of fuel, the fast, fuel-efficient Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost-effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations,” added Mr. Geresu.

“We are thrilled to welcome and congratulate Malawian Airlines as it commences its operations with the Q400 aircraft which has thrived in Africa largely due to the quality of operators utilizing the aircraft to open growth markets and new opportunities,” said Mike Arcamone President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are honored to have Malawian Airlines as the 15th African operator and that it is inaugurating its operations in one of the most fruitful markets the Q400 aircraft has ever seen. Africa is a showcase for the Q400 aircraft where it demonstrates unparalleled performance and success with the many customers and operators on the continent.”