Bombardier Aerospace has delivered a 74-passenger CRJ700 aircraft to Styrian Spirit of Austria, the first for the airline. The CRJ700 airliner joins Styrian Spirit's existing fleet of Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. The aircraft was among the first to be delivered with the new General Electric CF34-8C5B1 engines which are similar to those powering the 90-passenger Bombardier CRJ900. Styrian Spirit becomes the fourth European customer for the CRJ700 and will be the first European operator of the new General Electric CF34-8C5B1 engine.
Styrian Spirit, based in Graz, Austria ordered the Bombardier CRJ700 airliner in November of 2004 following two years of reliable service with three 50-passenger Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft.
"The Bombardier CRJ700 will allow us to meet demands for increased capacity on both our current scheduled and charter routes. Its increased passenger capacity and greater range will let us develop new charter opportunities to popular tourist destinations," said Otmar Lenz, Chief Executive Officer, Styrian Spirit.
"The commonality between the CRJ700 and CRJ200 aircraft in crewing, maintenance, spare parts and customer support will result in significant cost savings for us," Mr. Lenz added.
"Styrian Spirit has experienced steady growth in the almost three years it has been operating Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "The Bombardier CRJ700 is the most cost effective and passenger friendly 70-passenger aircraft with which to continue the airline's growth."
As of May 31, 2005 Bombardier had delivered 204 CRJ700 aircraft to operators in North America, Europe and Asia.
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, CRJ200, CRJ700 and CRJ900 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information:
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com