Bombardier Aerospace announced today a major order for its all-new CSeries aircraft to Republic Airways Holdings Inc. The Indianapolis, Indiana-based airline has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 40 CS300 jetliners. The agreement also includes options for an additional 40 CS300 aircraft. Republic Airways Holdings is the first North American airline to place a firm order for Bombardier's CSeries jetliners.
Based on the list price for the CS300 aircraft, the contract is valued at approximately $3.06 billion US, which could increase to approximately $6.34 billion US if all options are exercised.
"Republic Airways Holdings has selected Bombardier's CSeries jetliner because no other aircraft can match the attributes it brings to the market," said Bryan Bedford, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Republic Airways Holdings Inc. "The CSeries aircraft's leading-edge technologies bring unmatched economics, operational flexibility, reduced environmental impact and passenger comfort. Our passengers will find the aircraft's cabin features - wide aisles, spacious seating with increased shoulder space, extra large windows and upsized storage - particularly attractive. The CSeries aircraft will give us a major competitive cost advantage and complement our future growth and development plans."
"The CSeries aircraft program is a significant part of Bombardier's future, and we're delighted that Republic Airways will be part of it," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "This major CSeries aircraft order from our first North American customer reflects the confidence Republic Airways has in Bombardier's ability to deliver a game-changing aircraft and to service the airline's requirements."
Since launching the CSeries family of aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 90 CSeries aircraft which includes the order for Republic Airways announced today, a firm order from Deutsche Lufthansa AG for 30 CS100 aircraft, and one from Lease Corporation International Group for 17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft. The program has also booked options for an additional 90 CSeries aircraft.
The CSeries aircraft which are optimized for the longer range, single-aisle 100- to 149-seat market will deliver the lowest operating costs in their class, exceptional operational flexibility, widebody comfort and an unmatched environmental scorecard. The CSeries aircraft will benefit from the latest technological advancements, including fourth generation aerodynamics; increased use of composites and advanced aluminium alloys in structures; a next-generation engine - the Pratt & Whitney PurePowerTM PW1000G engine; and the very latest in system technologies, such as fly-by-wire and electric brakes.
At entry into service in 2013, the CSeries family of aircraft will be the greenest single-aisle aircraft in its class. These game-changing aircraft will emit 20(i) per cent less CO2 and 50(i) per cent less NOx, fly four(i) times quieter, and deliver dramatic energy savings - 20(i) per cent fuel burn advantage as well as 15(i) per cent improved cash operating costs versus current in-production aircraft of similar size. The CSeries aircraft will set a new benchmark in the industry, consuming as little as two liters of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometers in its more dense seating layouts(i).
About Republic Airways Holdings Inc.
Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Lynx Aviation, Midwest Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively "the airlines." The airlines offer scheduled passenger service on approximately 1,600 flights daily to 118 cities in 44 states, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico under branded operations at Frontier, Midwest, and through fixed-fee airline services agreements with five major U.S. airlines. The fixed-fee flights are operated under an airline partner brand, such as AmericanConnection, Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ approximately 11,000 aviation professionals and operate 283 aircraft.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2009, were $19.7 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
(i)The CSeries aircraft is in the design phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to change in family strategy, branding, capacity, performance during the course of the design, manufacture and certification process. Performance has been estimated based on a 500-nm North American operating environment.
™ PurePower is a registered trademark of United Technologies Corp. - Pratt & Whitney.
Bombardier, CS100, CS300 and CSeries are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Notes to Editors
Images of Republic Airways CS300 aircraft are available in the press releases section at: www.aero.bombardier.com
For additional images, video and product information on the CSeries aircraft, please visit: www.nowisthefuture.com
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Contacts: Bombardier Aerospace
John Arnone
(416) 375 3030
www.bombardier.com