Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) has taken delivery of its first Bombardier Q400 cargo-combi aircraft.

The carrier, part of the Japan Airlines Group, has ordered a total of five Q400 cargo-combis, which was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014. The aircraft has a cargo capacity of four tonnes and Bombardier says fuel burn is 30 per cent lower than jets it replaces.

RAC president, Takashi Irei says: “We always aim to offer the highest level of comfort and convenience for our customers and the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the ideal platform for the evolution of our service.”

“Increasing efficient air travel options around Japan’s Okinawa Islands will provide strong economic and leisure advantages.”

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president, Fred Cromer says: “By operating on routes with high cargo demand and medium to low passenger loads, RAC will benefit from the unique economic potential of the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft.”

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft vice president sales, China and North Asia, Andy Solem says: “Adding the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft to its growing fleet allows the airline to enrich its intra-Japan network and increase the frequency to remote Southern islands where increased cargo capacity and payload is a necessity.”