First customer for the next generation CRJ700 aircraft
Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Mesa Air Group, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona has placed a firm order for 10 CRJ700 NextGen regional jets, two of which are conversions from previously ordered CRJ900 aircraft. The aircraft will be operated for United Airlines. Mesa has also placed a conditional order for an additional CRJ700 NextGen aircraft.
The firm order, based on the list price for the CRJ700 NextGen aircraft, is valued at approximately $334 million U.S.
“Bombardier’s regional jets are an integral part of the reason for our growth and profitability over the past several years,” said Jonathan G. Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mesa Air Group, Inc. “They have enabled us to match capacity to demand in the markets we serve while delivering a seamless jet service to our major airline partners. Passenger acceptance of these aircraft has been very high. We look forward to introducing the CRJ700 NextGen aircraft on our route network on behalf of United Airlines.”
“We are delighted that Mesa Air Group is the launch customer for our new CRJ700 NextGen regional jet,” said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “The CRJ NextGen aircraft offer airlines further reduced operating costs and an all-new interior for superior passenger comfort. These are indeed 21st century regional jets.”
Mesa Air Group currently operates 116 CRJ aircraft including 58 CRJ100/200, with 50 seats, 20 CRJ700 with 66 seats in a three-class interior, and 38 CRJ900 aircraft with 86 seats.
Mesa Air Group operates a fleet of 200 aircraft with 1,300 daily departures to 181 cities in 46 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas and Mexico. It operates in the West and Midwest as America West Express; the Midwest and East as US Airways Express; in Denver as United Express; in Kansas City as Midwest Express; the Eastern Seaboard as Delta Connection; in Hawaii as Go!; and in New Mexico and Texas as Mesa Airlines.
Including the order announced today, Bombardier has received orders for 1,585 CRJ Series regional jets, including 266 CRJ700 aircraft.
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 Jan. 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, CRJ100, CRJ200, CRJ700, CRJ900 and NextGen are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com