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| Image: Bombardier Aerospace |
Bombardier Aerospace announced today Air Baltic has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 10 all-new Bombardier CS300 airliners. The Riga, Latvia-based airline also has purchase rights on a further 10 CS300 aircraft. The purchase agreement represents the conversion to firm orders of a Letter of Intent (LOI), announced at the Farnborough Air Show on July 10, 2012. The LOI also included the purchase rights on the 10 additional CS300 aircraft.
Based on the list price of the CS300 airliner, the firm-order contract is valued at approximately $764 million US and could increase to $1.57 billion US should the 10 purchase rights be converted to firm orders.
Air Baltic CEO Martin Gauss said “A modern and efficient fleet is one of the fundamentals of the airline business, and this order is a progressive and exciting move forward for us. Following an in-depth analysis of existing and re-engined aircraft, as well as the new technologies offered by Bombardier’s all-new CSeries aircraft, the results were clear and we selected the CSeries airliner”.
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft President Mike Arcamone said “Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative airlines, airBaltic demonstrates the growing demand and need for unmatched technologies, operational flexibility and efficiencies,we are delighted that airBaltic is complementing its fleet of eight Q400 NextGen turboprops with the CSeries aircraft to implement its new initiatives and integrate new levels of passenger comfort and greener flying.”
As of September 30, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 352 CSeries aircraft that include firm orders for 138 CSeries airliners from 14 customers that have joined the CSeries aircraft program – ten with firm orders – include major network carriers, national and premier carriers, low-cost airlines, leasing companies and a full service provider to airline partners.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 20th December 2012 All Rights Reserved.
