Sun Rises on Q400 in Japan	October 8, 2002

Japan Air Commuter (JAC) is the official Japanese launch customer for the high-speed 74-seat Q400 aircraft. This is the first delivery of five firm orders from the Kagoshima-based airline placed in August, 2001.

JAC, a subsidiary of Japan Air System Co. Ltd. (JAS), will be the fifth airline in Japan to operate a Bombardier Q Series turboprop. Bombardier's Q100, Q200, and Q300 aircraft have been providing the island of Japan reliable and economic service on their regional routes for years now. The Q400, however, introduces the speed and capacity characteristics of a larger regional jet with the airfield performance and lower operating costs of a turboprop.

"We look forward with great anticipation to introducing the new-generation, high-speed Bombardier Q400 on our route network," said Masayuki Abe, president, Japan Air Commuter. "The aircraft promises exceptional operating economics on our network of short routes. It has also proven to be a very comfortable aircraft for passengers and will be environmentally friendly to the communities served."

"We believe that as airlines drive their costs lower, the Q400 will play an increasingly important role in their fleet decisions. The Q400's cost competitiveness and its operational attributes are making it increasingly attractive for short-haul jet markets" said John Giraudy, president, Bombardier Regional Aircraft.