Bombardier launches Q300 P-to-F

Bombardier, working with Canada-based Air Inuit, launched a passenger-to-freighter conversion program for its Q300 turboprop.

Air Inuit developed its own small-door Q300 conversion several years ago, and converted two of its ten Q300 passenger aircraft, but the new, Bombardier-backed conversion will offer an “optimized” cargo door allowing the loading of palletized cargo. The converted freighter’s payload will be 5.7 tonnes, roughly similar to that of the ATR 42F.

Air Inuit, which will have three of its passenger Q300s converted to the new freighter configuration, has a significant cargo focus, operating two 737-200 combis and an HS 748 in freighter configuration in addition to the two previously converted Q300Fs. The carrier serves northern Canada, where the lack of roads means a greater need for air transportation of both passengers and cargo.

Regarding development of the program, Bombardier said: “In support of this conversion, a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) will be developed under license by a specialized third party entity.”

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