Bombardier Aerospace CRJ900 series
Bombardier Inc.'s aerospace division has obtained a third order for regional aircraft from Libya in as many years with a $131.5-million (U.S.) contract for three CRJ900 NextGen passenger jets that will be operated by the North African country's national carrier.
Montreal-based Bombardier said Libyan Airlines also has options for an additional three planes, potentially increasing the value of the sale to $267.8-million.
Captain Sabri Shadi, head of Libyan African Aviation Holding Co., which is purchasing the aircraft, said the acquisition is part of the airline's continuing fleet renewal.
"The CRJ900 NextGen aircraft will provide lower operating costs, increased passenger comfort and reduced environmental impact compared to Libyan Airlines' older jet aircraft," Mr. Shadi said.
Libyan Airlines currently operates three CRJ900 and two CRJ900 NextGen aircraft that were ordered in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Its fleet also includes four Airbus A320s and two ATR42's, and it has 15 Airbus planes on order.
Gary Scott, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said the latest order confirms that CRJ900 aircraft are meeting the airline's expectations and business requirements.
As of July 31, Bombardier had delivered almost 1,600 CRJ Series aircraft to customers around the world, including 234 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.
Meanwhile, Bombardier delivered its first Q400 turboprop planes to South America on Tuesday, with four used 78-seat planes being added by Colombia's Aires.
The 29-year-old airline serves 22 domestic and four international destinations. Its fleet also includes 11 Bombardier Q200 planes. The first Dash-8 planes were introduced to the fleet in 1994.
Bombardier has sold 391 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft as of July 31 and delivered 312 planes to more than 30 operators.