Gloucester, United Kingdom – Japan Air Commuter (JAC) has contracted with Dowty Propellers to provide a complete propeller system support package for the airline’s inventory of Bombardier Q400* and Saab 340 regional aircraft, including repair and overhaul, technical assistance and on-site support.

The multi-year agreement is backed by Dowty Propellers’ full capabilities as type certificate holder for the propeller systems on both of these twin-engine airliner types, enabling continuous high levels of service to be covered by a simpler contractual structure.

Dowty Propellers’ advanced propeller system on the Bombardier Q400 turboprop incorporates six all-composite blades with an advanced swept design and optimised airfoil sections.   It offers excellent climb and cruise performance, while generating low noise levels.  Equipped with fail-safe electronic controls, the propeller system’s modular configuration is designed to help reduce maintenance costs – eliminating mechanical control linkages to the cockpit, while facilitating the individual removal and replacement of blades.

The Saab 340 turboprop propeller system has demonstrated its capabilities over a long service life. In operation since 1984, some of the propellers have amassed more than 40,000 flying hours. The propeller system continues to deliver cost-effective performance as its maturity grows.

“We expect the new agreement with Dowty Propellers to improve the quality and service level of our flight. And also, we believe our relationship will maximise customer satisfaction,” said Yasushi Tokuda, the Japan Air Commuter General Manager, Maintenance Planning and Administration.

Building on 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 supply assistance in the field.

“Dowty Propellers is uniquely capable of supporting both the Bombardier Q400 and Saab 340, which represent JAC’s entire aircraft inventory,” said Dowty Propellers President Oliver Towers. “Our agreement ensures that JAC will benefit from the full resources of the propeller system’s original manufacturer, ensuring the aircraft are maintained to the highest standards.”

Japan Air Commuter is the carrier airline of Japan Air Lines (JAL), operating feeder services in support of its parent company.  Based at Kagoshima Airport – with hubs at Osaka International Airport, Amami Airport and Fukuoka Airport – Japan Air Commuter operates a fleet of 11 Bombardier Q400 aircraft and 11 Saab 340s.

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