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Happy Q400 Anniversary, Augsburg!	February 26, 2002

Augsburg Airways, a Team Lufthansa associate, marked its first anniversary of Bombardier Q400 operations last month. Independently owned Augsburg Airways (the first customer in Germany of the high speed 70-seat turboprop) has had a great first year with the Q400, and this winter achieved a dispatch reliability of nearly 99% with its four aircraft.

Augsburg says that the Q400 has proven to be a very economic aircraft and consumes less fuel than comparable regional jets. In fact, operating costs have shown it to be the same as the Bombardier CRJ200, while offering 20 more seats. In certain circumstances, seat kilometre costs can be 30% below the 50-seat Q300!

The Q400, which offers jet-like comfort and speed, is proving to be popular with passengers too. In fact, it operates two daily flights between London City and Munich, joining two of Europe's most stylish cities.

Augsburg Airways' pilots are also impressed. They like the Q400's computer-based flightdeck. Common Type Rating for flightdeck and cabin crew means that they can fly all the Bombardier series turboprops in the fleet and interchange between the sizes. The family benefits also extend to maintenance with technicians, mechanics and instructors also working on the Q400 once they have type approval. And because of the aircraft's advanced technology, long-term maintenance can be planned and actioned more efficiently. The Q400 is operated with the same monthly flight hour utilisation as the other Bombardier turboprops.

This summer, the Q400 will move into charter operations for the first time and a fifth Q400 is due to join the airline this spring.

This is indeed a happy anniversary for Augsburg Airways and the Q400. Bombardier wishes you further success and many happy returns!