Bombardier Aerospace welcomes Northwest Airlink partner Mesaba Airlines of Eagan, Minnesota, as the newest operator of the industry-leading Bombardier CRJ family of regional jets. Mesaba was selected to operate the 15 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft recently ordered by Northwest Airlines.
"We're delighted to welcome Mesaba Airlines to the growing list of CRJ operators," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "We're confident that Mesaba will realize the same economic benefits, outstanding performance and favorable passenger acceptance as other operators of the world's most popular regional aircraft."
Mesaba Airlines will be the 40th operator of Bombardier CRJ aircraft worldwide and the 13th in the U.S. To date, 121 CRJ airliners have been delivered to Northwest Airlines, including 45 Bombardier CRJ200 and 76 Bombardier CRJ440 aircraft. Deliveries of the CRJ200 aircraft to Northwest Airlines are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2005.
"We believe that the CRJ aircraft will provide our passengers with comfortable and reliable service across our expanding route network in the U.S and Canada," said John Spanjers, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mesaba Airlines. "We are delighted at the opportunity to grow our operations by introducing the CRJ to the fleet."
Founded in 1944 with a single plane to shuttle local employees to neighboring cities, Mesaba Airlines has grown to become the eight largest regional airline in the United States. Mesaba currently serves 109 cities throughout the U.S and Canada, from Northwest Airlines' three major hubs in Minneapolis/St-Paul, Detroit, and Memphis.
As of March 31, 2005, Bombardier had received firm orders for a total of 1,397 CRJ Series aircraft including the 50-seat CRJ100/200, 44-seat CRJ440, 70- to 78-seat CRJ700, 74- to 75-seat CRJ700 Series 705 and 86- to 90-seat CRJ900 aircraft. In addition, 1,233 CRJ Series aircraft had been delivered to customers in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, making the Bombardier CRJ Series the most successful regional aircraft program in history.
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, CRJ, CRJ100, CRJ200, CRJ440, CRJ700 and
CRJ900 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information:
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com