ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian Airlines Orders For 10 New Q400 Aircraft From Bombardier Commercial Aircraft At Approx $332 million U.S.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that it has concluded a firm order for 10 new Q400 aircraft with Ethiopian Airlines.

The order also includes purchase rights for five additional Q400 aircraft.

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $332 million U.S.

The Bombardier turboprops continue to deliver unmatched performance to our operators, and we are proud that the flag carrier of Ethiopia is once again recognizing its tremendous value by increasing its fleet of Q400 aircraft, said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

The market trend for high-performing and larger turboprops is intensifying, and this fifth reorder is a great example of the Q400 turboprop success story and the value it creates for clients around the world.


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USA: American Airlines Buys Bombardier 15 CRJ900 Aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that it has signed a firm order for 15 new CRJ900 regional jets with American Airlines, Inc.

The purchase agreement also includes options on an additional 15 CRJ900 aircraft.

Based on the list price of the CRJ900 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$ 719 million.

Upon delivery, American will be benefiting from the latest enhancement to the CRJ Series regional jets, the Atmosphere cabin, which offers an enhanced passenger experience and can accommodate the largest number of oversized roller bags of any aircraft in the same category.

We are pleased with American’s continued confidence in Bombardier and the CRJ900 aircraft, said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

This order is a testament to the tremendous value that the CRJ Series provides to airlines in the North American regional market.

With its outstanding economics and new cabin design, the CRJ900 continues to offer unique revenue growth opportunities, while delivering the most modern regional jet cabin features in line with today’s trends and requirements.

American has selected PSA Airlines to operate the 15 CRJ900 in dual-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 first class seats.

The airline intends to take delivery of their first aircraft with the new interior in the second quarter of 2019.



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Bombardier C Series Aircraft Makes Its China Debut

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that its CS300 jetliner, the second CS300 flight test vehicle, has arrived in Zhuhai, China. The visit is the debut of the C Series aircraft in China and the jetliner, which is showcasing the logo of CS300 first operator airBaltic, will be on static display at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) from October 30 to November 3.

“As we approach first delivery and entry-into-service of the CS300 aircraft with launch operator airBaltic in the coming weeks, it is a pleasure to be showcasing the aircraft in China for the first time and updating the industry on our progress,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales – China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “What we have been saying all along, is confirmed - the aircraft offers exceptional fuel burn and range, outstanding airfield performance in hot-and-high operations and it is the quietest commercial jet in production.

“The C Series aircraft, utilized in a regional role, is ideally suited to support the Chinese Government’s goals to make domestic air travel accessible to all Chinese citizens at low cost and in an environmentally efficient manner.”

Greater China alone is forecasted to take delivery of 1,550 aircraft in the 100- to 150-seat segment over the next 20 years. This represents more than 15 per cent of the world’s total demand for 7,000 aircraft in the segment.

The technologically advanced CS300 airliner, along with the Bombardier Global 5000 business aircraft, will be featured as part of the static display from October 30 to November 3. Guests will have the opportunity to witness and experience the aircraft first-hand. Bombardier’s booth, which is adjacent to the aircraft static display, is located at H4C3.

About C Series Aircraft
The C Series is the only aircraft optimized for the 100- to 150-seat market segment, which drives the aircraft’s phenomenal economic proposition and performance, opening up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operation.

Comprised of the CS100 and the larger CS300 aircraft, the C Series family represents the fusion of performance and technology. The result is aircraft that deliver unmatched performance and economics in the 100- to 150-seat market segment and an 18 per cent lower cost per passenger, making them the ideal candidates to complement larger single-aisle aircraft. Airlines can now operate routes that were previously not profitable or even possible. An improvement in range in excess of 20 per cent out of hot-and-high airports such as Denver, Mexico City or Lhasa has been confirmed.

Bombardier has created a new standard in cabin design and flexibility to ensure an unrivalled passenger experience. The aircraft’s larger seats, overhead bins and windows deliver a widebody feel that offers passengers unparalleled comfort in a single-aisle cabin.

The CS100 and the CS300 aircraft have over 99 per cent parts commonality as well as the same pilot type rating. The groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine, combined with the aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics, delivers reduced fuel burn, noise, and emissions – making the C Series the most community-friendly aircraft.

GERMANY: GE Capital Aviation Services Leases Three New Bombardier Q400 Aircraft To Air Berlin

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft congratulated Air Berlin PLC of Berlin, Germany on its lease of three new Q400 aircraft from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The Q400 aircraft, part of GECAS’ order book of five announced on December 31, 2014, will increase the Air Berlin Q400 aircraft fleet to 20.

“The Bombardier Q400 turboprop is a perfect choice for our regional routes,” said Stefan Pichler, Chief Executive Officer, Air Berlin. “It has replaced jets on thin routes that don’t require the capacity of larger jets; it allows us to increase frequencies on some routes at less cost than a jet; it flies point-to-point between smaller city pairs; and it feeds our major hubs. It does all of these things economically, reliably, and with the environmental sensitivity that is vital in Europe.”

“The demand for economical turboprops continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Air Berlin,” said Alec Burger, President and Chief Executive Officer, GECAS. “Air Berlin recognizes the many qualities the Q400 aircraft offers in terms of operating efficiencies, performance and economics.”

“Air Berlin’s operations illustrate the capabilities and qualities of the Q400 aircraft that make it uniquely suitable for diverse operations, and a valuable asset in the portfolio of aircraft leasing companies,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are confident that leasing companies and Q400 turboprop operators will find many more opportunities to work together for their mutual benefit.”

About Q400 aircraft
Designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. In addition to the standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; in an optional extra-capacity configuration with up to 86 seats for high-density markets; and in a combi configuration.

Thanks to its combination of turboprop attributes, jet-like features, industry-leading passenger experience and environmental footprint, the Q400 aircraft is exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to a variety of business models. By offering a 30 per cent reduction in fuel burn over the jets it often replaces, the Q400 aircraft radically reduces carbon emissions and increases cost efficiency. Its high-speed cruise -- 160 km/h faster than conventional turboprops -- places the aircraft’s flight time within minutes of jet schedules, at the same seat cost as larger single-aisle jets. Its large propellers operate at a lower RPM, generating more power with less noise and making it a friendly option for city centres.

The Q400 aircraft family includes over 60 owners and operators in almost 40 countries worldwide and the worldwide fleet has logged more than 6 million flight hours. The aircraft has transported more than 370 million passengers worldwide. Long recognized as a high-value asset by operators, the Q400 aircraft is now also attracting growing interest from the leasing community.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 547 Q400 aircraft.

About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.