Gloucester, United Kingdom – India’s SpiceJet has contracted with Dowty Propellers to provide a complete support package for propeller systems on the airline’s fleet of 15 Bombardier Q400* NextGen* regional aircraft, including repairs, overhaul, technical assistance, the availability of rotable spares and on-site support.
Backed by the full capabilities of Dowty Propellers as the type certificate holder for the Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop’s propeller system, this eight-year contract represents the culmination of a joint process to develop a unique, tailored system that comprehensively considers the airline’s operations.
“Dowty Propellers was able to propose an innovative solution that builds on a partnership approach, creating real value for us as the customer,” said Sanjiv Kapoor, the COO of SpiceJet Limited.
Dowty Propellers’ advanced propeller system on the Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop incorporates six all-composite blades with an advanced swept design and optimised airfoil sections. It provides excellent climb and cruise performance for this twin-engine airliner, while generating low noise levels. The propeller system has fail-safe electronic controls, and the modular configuration is designed to help reduce maintenance costs – facilitating the individual removal and replacement of blades, while eliminating mechanical control linkages to the cockpit.
“Our selection demonstrates the mutual trust developed with SpiceJet, where our benefits as the propeller system original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and propeller type certificate holder deliver real value to the operator,” said Oliver Towers, the President of Dowty Propellers. “The resources of our company will be fully available to support this key airline operator in India.”
In addition to the capacity of Dowty Propellers’ global support network, the company also will provide the capabilities of its mobile service engineers, who are approved to perform on-site repairs and provide assistance in the field.
SpiceJet is India’s second largest low fare airline. It currently operates more than 340 daily flights to 48 destinations, which includes 41 Indian cities and seven international destinations.
About Dowty Propellers
As a leader in the development, manufacture and support of electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems, Dowty Propellers provides solutions for the propulsion needs of today and tomorrow. Its products are used in applications that range from commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft.
With a proven record of product development, introduction and support, Dowty Propellers continually invests in technologies, production capabilities and human resources – resulting in propeller systems that are safe, efficient and reliable. Its history of firsts-to-market includes the all-composite propeller blade and full-authority digital propeller control. More than 23,000 advanced composite blades have been delivered to date by Dowty Propellers, with the lead blade logging over 45,000 hours of flight time.
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries