Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) of Japan has signed a contract to acquire one 50-seat Bombardier Q300 turboprop airliner. The transaction involves the conversion of an option held on a Bombardier Q100 to a firm order for the Q300.
Ryukyu Air Commuter, based in Naha, Okinawa, was the first Japanese airline to order the Bombardier Dash 8 when it ordered three of the 39-seat aircraft in February 1996. RAC and its predecessor companies began operating de Havilland aircraft more than 35 years ago.
“Ryukyu Air Commuter gave us a foothold in the important Japanese market with that initial Dash 8 order,” said Steven Ridolfi, President of Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “They showcased the reliability and capability of the airplane, boosted our presence in Japan and helped us gain further orders. As of today, seven Japanese operators have ordered 38 Bombardier Dash 8/Q Series aircraft, giving us a dominant position in the market.”
The contract announced today increases firm orders for the Bombardier Q Series to 816 aircraft, with 721 delivered to operators throughout the world as of December 31, 2005.
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, Q100, Q300, Dash 8 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information:
Marc Holloran
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com