Bombardier Aerospace has delivered the first of 60 Bombardier CRJ200* 50-passenger regional jets ordered by US Airways in May 2003 for its US Airways Express carrier PSA Airlines, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio.
The May transaction also includes a firm order for 25 Bombardier CRJ700* Series aircraft with deliveries commencing mid-2004. In addition, US Airways placed 190 options, which could include a mix of Bombardier CRJ200 and Bombardier CRJ700 Series aircraft.
PSA Airlines will begin its transition to an all-regional jet fleet when it launches Bombardier CRJ200 service between Dayton and Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, New York’s LaGuardia airport and two of US Airways’ major hubs, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, in December 2003, replacing 32-seat Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft.
“This truly is an historic milestone for US Airways as we take delivery of PSA’s first regional jet, implementing another key element of the company’s restructuring plan,” said Bruce Ashby, president of US Airways Express. “The CRJ200 is an outstanding airplane with a proven and successful track record in RJ operations within North America and in markets all over the world.”
“Larger airlines are continuing to turn to their regional partners for profitable service in many markets, thus continuing the regional airline revolution that began little more than a decade ago with the pioneering Bombardier CRJ,” said Steven A. Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. “Now, US Airways will realize the benefits of high performance, low operating costs and the family commonality advantages of the Bombardier CRJ family.”
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* and Bombardier Skyjet* 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 Montréal, 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).
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Information:
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
Toronto: (416) 375-3030