The 80 CSeries sold to Republic = $6.34-billion !Bombardier wins big C Series order in U.S.
Bertrand Marotte
Bombardier Inc. has clinched a crucial third order for its new C Series long-range jet.
Indianapolis, Ind.-based Republic Airways Holdings Inc. said Thursday it has signed a purchase agreement for 40 units of the next-generation jet that Montreal-based Bombardier is betting will be a significant player in the 110- to 130-seat single-aisle commercial jet niche.
Republic said it also has options for an additional 40 aircraft.
The list price for the 80 planes sold to Republic would be $6.34-billion (U.S.).
Delivery is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2015.
The order is Bombardier's first from a North American customer and helps boost the outlook for the new jet, which represents a major shift for the company into the air space occupied by giants Boeing Co. and Airbus.
Until today, there had been orders for only 50 C Series jets, from two customers: airline Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Irish leasing firm Lease Corp. International Ltd.
The new order from Republic gives Bombardier a strong foothold in the key North American market.
Bombardier executives said last fall that a third order for the jet could materialize before the end of the fiscal year, which ends Jan. 31.
Republic said the C Series jets it has ordered will seat 138 passengers.
“Republic is pleased to be the North American launch customer for the C Series aircraft,” said Bryan Bedford, chairman, president and chief executive of Republic Airways.
“The C Series 300 will help us dramatically reduce our fuel consumption and impact on the environment. Our customers will also appreciate the generous amount of personal space with wider aisles, increased shoulder room, improved storage bins and extra-large windows,” he said.
Gary Scott, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said in a statement that the C Series is a “game-changing aircraft.”
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