TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Feb. 25, 2010) – 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).

Source: Bombardier