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Gold/Mining/Energy : Bombardier, maker of planes and trains and other things -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Gilbert Drapeau who wrote (1153)	3/17/2004 9:05:52 AM
From: Gilbert Drapeau	Respond to of 1177

Amtrak and Bombardier/Alstom Consortium Announce Resolution of Legal Claims MONTREAL, QUEBEC--MARCH 17, 2004 - 06:15 ET The Consortium of Bombardier/Alstom and Amtrak today announced an agreement, settling all current legal disputes associated with the comprehensive $1.2 billion US high-speed rail program. This program covered delivery, performance and maintenance, for a ten year period, of 20 high-speed Acela Express(i)(i) trainsets, the purchase of 15 additional high-speed electric locomotives and the construction of three new maintenance facilities. Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will drop all claims against each other relating to the program and the Consortium will be entitled to receive up to $42.5 million US against approximately $70 million US that Amtrak previously withheld. In addition, the parties will amend the maintenance services contract for the trainsets, allowing Amtrak to assume responsibility for the trains' maintenance in October 2006. "Instead of continuing to spend unnecessary time and money on costly and attention-diverting litigation, the full focus of our efforts will now be on improving the performance of Acela Express and delivering the best service we know how for the passengers who enjoy and depend on it," said Amtrak President and CEO David L. Gunn. "The Consortium is satisfied with the solution reached out of court with Amtrak," commented Paul Tellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier Inc. "The Consortium will respect Amtrak's strategy to provide maintenance services and will take the necessary steps to ensure a seamless transition between now and October 2006," added Mr. Tellier. In November 2001, Bombardier filed a lawsuit against Amtrak in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking damages in connection with the high-speed rail project. Amtrak then countersued, seeking its own damages in connection with the project. The agreement announced today settles Bombardier's lawsuit and Amtrak's countersuit, and speeds up to October 2006 the transfer of the maintenance responsibility from the Northeast Corridor Maintenance Service Company (or NECMSC) to Amtrak. The transfer was originally foreseen in 2013. Amtrak and NECMSC have committed to work closely together over the next three years to ensure and maximize the trains' operational reliability. "During the transition period, training will be provided to Amtrak employees and after October 2006, NECMSC will continue to provide equipment parts and technical advice to Amtrak's Mechanical department, as needed," explained Mr. Fred Einbinder, Chairman of the Board of NECMSC and General Counsel of ALSTOM Transport. Acela Express is Amtrak's premium service in the Northeast, with 10 daily roundtrips between Boston and New York, including intermediate stops, and 13 daily roundtrips between Washington and New York, with intermediate stops. Development of the high-speed service began in 1996, when Amtrak and the Consortium agreed to the design and manufacture of the Acela Express trainsets, the building of maintenance facilities in Boston, New York and Washington, and maintenance of the equipment for a period of ten years. (The 10-year term started in 2003.) The first of the trainsets was delivered in December, 2000 and since its introduction into revenue service, more than 6 million passengers have ridden Acela Express. Note to editors: About Amtrak Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service in 500 communities in 46 states across a 22,000-mile route system. For schedules and fares, visit Amtrak's website at www.amtrak.com or call 800.USA.RAIL. About Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004, were $21.3 billion Cdn and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com. About Alstom ALSTOM is a global leader in power generation and rail transport infrastructure. The Company serves the energy market through its activities in the field of power generation and the transport market through its activities in rail and marine. ALSTOM's annual sales are around euros 17 billion. It employs 75,000 people in over 70 countries worldwide. www.alstom.com About NECMSC The Northeast Corridor Maintenance Service Company (NECMSC) is jointly owned and operated by Bombardier and Alstom. It was created to provide maintenance and related services for high-speed trainsets operated by Amtrak. NECMSC conducts servicing activities at three maintenance facilities in Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. NECMSC management team oversees maintenance operations carried out by Amtrak. (i)(i) Acela Express is a trademark of Amtrak

To: Gilbert Drapeau who wrote (1153)	3/22/2004 10:10:40 PM
From: Gilbert Drapeau	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1177

Bombardier Global 5000 Business Jet Earns Transport Canada Type Approval MONTREAL, QUEBEC--MARCH 22, 2004 - 08:00 ET (CCNMatthews - Mar 22, 2004) - Aircraft to set new standards for speed, productivity when it enters service The new Bombardier Global(i) 5000, the world's fastest intercontinental super-large business jet, has received full type approval from Transport Canada, clearing the way for first deliveries of "green" production aircraft to begin in the second quarter of 2004. The first Bombardier Global 5000, currently being equipped with a custom interior, will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2004. The Bombardier Global 5000 offers an exciting combination to operators - unparalleled speed and unprecedented cabin productivity and comfort. "This changes everything - the Bombardier Global 5000 is far and away the new standard in the super-large business jet category," stated Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "The Global 5000 is a state-of-the-art machine that will dramatically improve travel for business and government leaders who, to date, have had no choice but to compromise on most key attributes such as cabin width, functionality, travel time between important cities, and airfield accessibility." Transport Canada - the lead regulatory agency involved in the program - awarded full certification to Chapter 525, Change 6, on March 12, 2004. The Bombardier Global 5000 will also be approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to FAR Part 25, Amendments 1 to 97, and by the European Joint Aviation Authorities to JAR Part 25, up to Change 14. Launched in February 2002 following an intensive 24-month market analysis, the Bombardier Global 5000 provides a cost-effective step-up for current large aircraft operators. As well, operators flying both the Bombardier Global Express and Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft will enjoy several key benefits from fleet commonality including enhanced operational flexibility and common crew type rating, lower pilot and maintenance training costs, and lower maintenance and spare parts costs. Unparalleled speed Bombardier test pilots and engineers demonstrated the superior speed capabilities of the Bombardier Global 5000 during the flight test program, flying at Mach 0.89 (590 mph; 950 km/h) and even beyond. Due to its speed, and its maximum take-off weight of 87,700 pounds (39,780 kg), the Bombardier Global 5000 can connect important business corridors such as Washington D.C.-London and New York-Paris at least 20 minutes faster than either the Gulfstream G450 or the Falcon 900EX. The Bombardier Global 5000 offers even more time-saving benefits over greater distances: it can fly Paris-Chicago and Berlin-Washington D.C. approximately 47 minutes faster than these two older jets. At a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.85 (562 mph; 904 km/h) - the fastest cruise speed in its category - the Bombardier Global 5000 will fly eight passengers and three crew 4,800 nautical miles (8,889 km). Unprecedented cabin technology The cabin represents the latest advancements in ergonomics, productivity and ambiance technology. Enhancements include new body heat-activated seats that adjust to a passenger's physique, enlarged window overlays offering up to 40 per cent more natural light over previous designs, and a new contoured cabin periphery that creates a greater sense of intimacy. Passengers will also enjoy a superior cabin ambiance thanks to next-generation light emitting diode technology. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with a revolutionary Ethernet-based cabin electronic system delivering the same high-caliber working capabilities comparable to any ground office. It features: three communication channels linked with the Inmarsat satellite network and one channel for use with the Iridium satellite constellation; a high-speed data channel transferring up to 64 kilobits per second; both wired and wireless telephones; dual avionics grade Local Area Networks (LAN) with dual servers; and in-cabin printer and fax capabilities. About Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004, were $21.3 billion Cdn and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com (i)Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries