Aircraft to be operated by Caribbean Star or Caribbean Sun Airlines.
Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Caribbean Aircraft Leasing (BVI) Limited, an affiliate of Stanford Financial Group of Houston, has signed a contract to acquire three new Q300 50-seat turboprop aircraft on behalf of its regional airline affiliates, Caribbean Star Airlines Limited and Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc.
The firm order is valued at approximately $49 million US. The three Q300 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered commencing the second quarter of 2006.
The aircraft will be operated either by affiliates Caribbean Star Airlines Limited, based in Antigua, or Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Together, these regional airlines serve 17 Caribbean destinations and transport over 80,000 passengers a month throughout the region. The three new Q300 aircraft will join the two airlines' existing fleet of 12 Bombardier 37-seat Dash 8/Q Series 100 and six 50-seat Dash 8/Q Series 300 aircraft.
"We are purchasing these new Q300 aircraft, which feature unsurpassed turboprop passenger comfort, to accelerate the growth of our fleets, and to increase the capacity within our current operation," said William E. "Skip" Barnette, President, Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun Airlines. "The new aircraft will also generate lower operating costs, which is important because it allows us to continuously upgrade our services and facilities, as well as make travel within the region economically viable."
"We are delighted that our Q300 aircraft have been selected as the superior choice to meet these airlines' requirements," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "With approximately 700 Q Series aircraft in service around the world, the Dash 8/Q Series turboprop has earned an enviable reputation for reliability, economy and passenger appeal.
"This order further solidifies Bombardier's strong position in the regional turboprop market in the Caribbean region," Mr. Ridolfi added. "Six airlines in the region operate more than 40 Dash 8/Q Series aircraft that continue to provide high-frequency, short-haul services combining passenger comfort with outstanding operational economics."
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.
Q100, Q300, Q Series and Dash 8 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Marc Holloran
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com