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Hydro-Quebec Becomes First Q400 Customer in Canada	December 18, 2001

On December 18^th, Hydro-Quebec signed a contract to become the first Canadian operator, placing an order for two of the 72-seat new-technology Q400s. The Canadian-made turboprop will be used to shuttle employees between Montréal and hydro-electric generating sites in Northern Quebec, using its jet speeds to cover the long distances quickly.

And who needs a paved runway? Not the Q400, and Northern Quebec will be the proving ground. Hydro-Quebec's Q400s will be certified for gravel runways, which predominate in the northern airstrips. In addition, the aircraft will be retrofitted after delivery with a Head-up Guidance System (HGS) for use in challenging climatic conditions.

"We based our aircraft selection on reliability, performance and operating economics over a 10-year period," said Elie Saheb, president of Engineering, Procurement and Construction at Hydro-Quebec. "The Bombardier Q400 proved to be the aircraft that met all of these strict criteria."

Bombardier is proud to have Hydro-Quebec as the first Canadian operator of the Q400, and proud to welcome the Q400 home!