Building a promising future in China
With the Asia-Pacific region continuing to grow in importance in the regional and business aircraft markets, and with China forecasted to become one of the world’s key aviation markets over the next 20 years, Bombardier will show its support of this expanding marketplace by attending Asian Aerospace 2007 at its new location in Hong Kong, from September 3 to 6.
Bombardier’s aerospace activities in China have grown substantially in recent years. Bombardier is a leading supplier of regional aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region, with 227 of its Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets in service or ordered by approximately 40 operators in 14 countries.
“As Asian airlines continue to re-evaluate their strategies to focus on economics, Bombardier is well positioned to offer solutions to meet their requirements,” said James Dailly, Senior Vice-president, Sales at Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “Bombardier is the only manufacturer that offers two distinct families of regional aircraft: regional jets and turboprops, each offering low operating costs.”
With an installed fleet of over 100 business jets based in the region, Bombardier Business Aircraft maintains its strong presence in Asia-Pacific. Bombardier is the market leader in both the large and ultra-long range aircraft segments, with 64 per cent and 54 per cent of the installed base respectively.
“The superior performance, comfort and value delivered by Bombardier’s comprehensive range of innovative business jets exhibits immense potential for corporate and government leaders in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” noted David Dixon, Regional Vice-President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The ultra long-range Global Express XRS jet and world-leading super midsize Challenger 300 jet, are two great examples of Bombardier’s commitment to introduce new aircraft that cater to the full range of operator needs. Both business jets are also very well suited for operation in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Bombardier is the only Original Equipment Manufacturer to offer aircraft in eight of nine business jet market segments – from the premium Learjet 40 XR light jet to the ultra long-range Global Express XRS aircraft and the Challenger 800 Series in the corporate airliner segment – the widest selection of any corporate jet manufacturer.
Bombardier’s premier business jet charter program, Skyjet International, will also be represented at this year’s Asian Aerospace. A growing international network and a range of innovative turnkey travel solutions, Bombardier Skyjet International is expanding its presence in Asia-Pacific, and continues to forge new paths for business jet charter in the region.
CSeries mock-up continues its world tour
Continuing on its recently launched world tour, Bombardier will present the latest full-size, cabin mock-up of the CSeries aircraft at Asian Aerospace 2007. Featured in the mock-up will be the forward galley with offset door configuration, two rows in business class, four rows in economy class and the aft galley with a lavatory area. The new cabin permits airlines to experience the convenience of overhead rotating bins and the cross-section fuselage was recently modified to provide additional passenger comfort.
The CSeries aircraft, designed specifically for the lower end of the 100- to 149-seat commercial market, is ideally positioned to replace many of the aging narrow-body aircraft presently in service in the Asia-Pacific region. This family of aircraft will offer airlines the opportunity to grow their networks with increased frequency and more point-to-point operations into markets that are not well served at this time due to range and aircraft size constraints.
Bombardier Aerospace’s relationship with China
In June 2007, the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC I) and Bombardier signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a new, long-term strategic cooperation in the five-abreast, 90- to 149-seat commercial aircraft market. Founded on a well-established history, the two parties have reached a memorandum of understanding that further develops the relationship.
In addition, to support its customers, Bombardier has a regional aircraft spare parts depot in Beijing. In addition, Bombardier has appointed Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Ltd. (STAECO) of Ji’nan as the first Bombardier recognized heavy maintenance facility in the Asia-Pacific Region.
The Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress is being held at AsiaWorld-Expo alongside the Hong Kong International Airport. The Bombardier exhibit is located at Hall 9, Booth 9F01 and the Bombardier hospitality suite is found within the static display area at the Business Aviation Centre. This trade-only event is expected to feature more than 500 participating companies from more than 20 countries.
Bombardier aircraft on static display at Asian Aerospace 2007
CRJ900 NextGen – The CRJ900 NextGen airliner, in the colours of U.S. carrier Northwest Airlines, features the increased use of composite materials and the all-new CRJ NextGen interior with larger windows, LED lighting and larger overhead bins. The aircraft is configured with12 business class and 64 economy class seats. Like other members of the CRJ NextGen family, the aircraft is designed to deliver operating cost improvements and is the next step in the continuing evolution of the CRJ Series. Following Asian Aerospace, the CRJ900 NextGen jetliner will embark on an extensive demonstration tour of several countries in Asia and Europe.
Challenger 300: This first true super-midsize jet offers transcontinental range and superior long-range cruise speed, with eight passengers. It can fly Hong Kong-Darwin non-stop with a full payload and its superior airfield performance allows it to operate out of 5,000-foot (1,524-m) runways with ease*. The Challenger 300 jet’s fleet currently totals over 150 aircraft, with a dispatch reliability of over 99.5 per cent as at July 31, 2007.
Global Express XRS: The pioneering Global Express XRS business jet features the largest cabin of any purpose-built corporate aircraft – with more cabin volume and more floor space than its closest competitor. No other business jet in the ultra long-range segment matches the high-speed range capability delivered by this aircraft. Offering the ultimate in cabin comfort, this impressive jet can link London-Singapore and Hong Kong- Los Angeles non-stop with eight passengers and three-to-four crew*.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31,2007, were $14.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, CRJ, Q-Series, CRJ900 NextGen, Learjet 40 XR, Challenger 800 Series, Challenger 300, Global Express XRS, CSeries andSkyjet International are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Note to Editors
* Under certain operating conditions.
The Challenger 300 aircraft’s world-leading position is in terms of orders and deliveries during 2006.
Information
Marc Duchesne
Bombardier Aerospace
514-855 7989