Bombardier Sells 17 Additional Q400 Airliners to U.K.'s
FlyBE
TORONTO, ONTARIO--APRIL 23, 2003 - 02:01 EST
Bombardier Aerospace and U.K-based FlyBE.
(formerly British European) today have agreed to a contract for
the purchase of advanced Bombardier Q400(i) regional airliners.
The agreement includes 17 firm orders for Bombardier Q400
aircraft valued at $362 million U.S. ($543 million Cdn.) and a
further 20 options. Deliveries of the 78-seat aircraft are
scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2003. The total value
of the contract, if the 20 options are exercised, could reach
$818 million U.S. ($1.23 billion Cdn.).
Addition of the 17 Bombardier Q400 aircraft will increase
FlyBE.'s Q400 fleet to 21 aircraft. The airline also operates 15
BAe 146 jets.
"The Bombardier Q400 delivers fantastically low operating costs,
which is critical to our regional low fares business model. The
Q400 is set to become the workhorse of the regional low fares
market and we are very pleased to be the leading exponent of the
product," said Jim French, managing director of FlyBE. "We
announced last year our intention to streamline our fleet to two
aircraft types. With the announcement today to standardize on the
Bombardier Q400, we will drive millions of dollars in operating
cost savings, and help consolidate our position as Europe's No.1
regional low fares provider."
Mr. French added, "The jet performance of the Bombardier Q400 is
a major selling point, together with its exceptionally quiet
cabin comfort. Passenger reaction has been extremely positive."
"We are delighted that FlyBE. has come back for a second order
for 17 Bombardier Q400 aircraft," said Steven A. Ridolfi,
president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. "Airlines in
today's environment need to generate significant cost
improvements. The Bombardier Q400 is the most efficient and cost
effective regional aircraft available. As Mr. French has
indicated, the added benefit of jet-like cruise speeds and
excellent reliability makes it an unbeatable choice."
Formed 25 years ago as Jersey European Airways, FlyBE. this
summer will fly to 46 domestic and international routes,
including 12 routes from its new hub at Southampton Airport in
central southern UK.
FlyBE. sister company, British European Aviation Services, is the
only Bombardier recognized Q(i)Series/Dash 8(i) maintenance
facility in Europe. The company performs "C" checks and other
heavy maintenance at its facility at Exeter International Airport
in southwest England.
The Bombardier Q400 order book, including options and conditional
orders, totals 189 aircraft with 71 delivered and in operation as
of Feb. 28 with eleven customers throughout North America, Europe
and the Asia/Pacific region.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world
leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation
products and provides services for the regional, business and
amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet(i)
and Bombardier Skyjet(i) business aircraft programs, technical
services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for
business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services
company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets,
regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized
recreational products. It also provides financial services and
asset management in business areas aligned with its core
expertise. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the Corporation has
a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in
25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at
$23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto,
Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F)
(i) Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Bombardier Aerospace
Bert Cruickshank
(416) 375-3030 (Toronto)
www.aero.bombardier.com
Note to Editors:
Images of FlyBE. Q400 aircraft are available in our Web site
multimedia library at: www.aero.bombardier.com/htmen/F14.jsp |
