Bombardier Signs Letter of Intent for up to 80 CRJ
Aircraft With Mesa Air Group
TORONTO, ONTARIO--MARCH 21, 2001 - 09:22 EST
Mesa becomes North American launch customer for CRJ900
Bombardier Aerospace today announced the signing of a Letter of
Intent (LOI) with Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group for up to 80
Bombardier CRJ regional jet aircraft.
The anticipated deal calls for the U.S. regional carrier to
purchase 20 70-seat CRJ700 and 20 86-seat CRJ900 aircraft plus 40
options. The firm aircraft portion of the transaction would be
worth approximately U.S.$1.2 billion (Cdn.$1.9 billion).
Deliveries of the firm aircraft would begin in the first quarter
of 2002 for the 70-seat models and the first quarter of 2003 for
the 86-seat CRJs. A definitive agreement confirming the order is
expected to be signed shortly.
"We are delighted to become the North American launch customer for
the CRJ900 aircraft," said Jonathan Ornstein, chairman and chief
executive officer of Mesa Air Group. "We believe that the new
aircraft will precisely match the blended operating, financial and
performance needs of both America West and Mesa. This reaffirms
our commitment to Bombardier and its family of regional aircraft,"
he said.
Mesa intends to operate the aircraft on behalf of America West
Airlines under a recently concluded long-term code sharing
agreement.
"Mesa's successful experience with the 50-seat CRJ has, we
believe, paved the way for this break-through agreement and
further solidified Bombardier's leadership in the regional jet
market in the 50-, 70- and 90-seat categories," said Michael
Graff, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier
Aerospace.
"Mesa's selection of both the CRJ700 and CRJ900, complementing its
fleet of 50-seat CRJ aircraft, underscores the value of a family
of aircraft and the inherent economic benefits of commonality,"
said Steven Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional
Aircraft. "We are very proud that Mesa will be the first operator
of both of our newest regional jet models in North America," he
said.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is the leading
business, regional and amphibious aircraft manufacturer. With
full design and production capabilities in three countries, it
offers the most comprehensive families of turboprop and regional
jet aircraft and the widest range of business jets. It also
provides the Flexjet fractional business aircraft ownership
program, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot
training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company,
is a world leading manufacturer of business jets, regional
aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational
products. It is also a provider of financial services and asset
management. The Corporation employs 58,000 people in 12 countries
in North America, Europe and Asia, and more than 90% of its
revenues are generated outside Canada. Bombardier's revenues for
its fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2001 totalled $16.1 billion.
(R) Registered Trademarks of Bombardier Inc.
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