Bombardier Regional Aircraft will showcase its 70-seat class Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet at the 2005 Dubai Air Show, from November 20-24. It will be the aircraft's first appearance at the biennial exposition and it comes as the worldwide market for larger regional jets is increasing.
The aircraft, in United Air Lines' United Express colours, is operated by SkyWest Airlines of St. George, Utah, USA. The combined fleets of SkyWest Inc. owned airlines include 75 CRJ700 aircraft. The model on display in the static park has the unique 66-passenger, three-class interior fitted to all United Express CRJ700 aircraft: six First Class seats at 37-inch (94 cm) pitch, 28 Economy Plus(r) seats at 34-inch (86.4 cm) pitch and 32 Economy seats at 31-inch (78.7 cm) pitch.
"With over 350 CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft in service or on order around the world, these aircraft are being highly praised for their superior operating costs - 10 per cent lower than the competition - operational flexibility and cabin comfort," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft.
"We are encouraged by recent activity in the Middle East and Gulf region," continued Mr. Ridolfi. "Royal Jordanian Airlines recently took delivery of the first of two previously owned Q400 turboprop airliners for its Royal Jordanian xpress regional carrier, a sign that major airlines in the region are looking at new business models with which to develop their regional operations. The CRJ700 will allow airlines to operate medium-length thin routes with a more economical aircraft than the larger jets flying these routes now, freeing up the larger jets for more profitable long-haul flying."
Compared to its competitor, the CRJ700 airliner is lighter, uses less thrust and is of a less complex design, resulting in lower fuel costs, lower landing fees and lower maintenance costs. In addition to its outstanding operating economics, the CRJ700 aircraft shares the benefits of family commonality with the 50-seat CRJ200, 75-seat CRJ705 and the 90-seat CRJ900 airliners. This results in significant savings in crew costs because all models carry the same pilot type rating with further savings in spares, training and maintenance.
As of September 30, 2005 Bombardier had received firm orders for a total of 1,436 CRJ Series aircraft from customers around the world, making the Bombardier CRJ Series the most successful regional aircraft program in history. This included 347 orders from 18 customers for the 70- to 78-seat CRJ700, 74- to 75-seat CRJ705 and the 86- to 90-seat CRJ900 aircraft.
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, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, CRJ, CRJ700, CRJ705, CRJ900 and Q400 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
(r) Registered trademark of United Air Lines
Note to Editors
Images of Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft are available in our Web site Multimedia Library at www.aero.bombardier.com/htmen/F14.jsp
For information
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com