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26 July 2000
Bombardier Aerospace formally launched the newest member of its pioneering CRJ family of regional jet airliners, the 86-passenger CRJ900 Series, at Farnborough 2000.
Michael Graff, president and chief operating officer of Bombardier Aerospace said at the launch, "With today's announcement to launch the CRJ900 Series, we have again demonstrated our leadership of the market we created with the launch of the original, 50-passenger CRJ, in 1989.
"Like the original CRJ, and the 70-passenger CRJ700* Series which will enter service within a few months, the CRJ900 Series is right for the market, first to the market and the benchmark which others will seek to emulate," he added.
"On its own, the CRJ900 will offer excellent operating economics," Mr. Graff continued. "In combination with the established members of the CRJ pr! oduct family, the CRJ900 capitalises on extensive fleet commonality in crew qualification, spares and maintenance to deliver unmatched operational flexibility and a multi-million-dollar advantage over multiple-manufacturer fleets."
Brit Air of France has ordered 4 and optioned 8 CRJ900 aircraft. Tyrolean Airways of Austria has signed a Letter of Agreement for 12 CRJ900, while Air Nostrum of Spain has signed a Letter of Agreement covering 8 aircraft. In addition, there is the previously announced order for 10 aircraft plus 20 options from GE Capital Aviation Services. Based on the list price of US$29 million ($40.6 million Cdn.), the firm orders value is almost US$1.0 billion ($1.4 billion Cdn.).
The CRJ900 Series programme schedule calls for first flight in the first half of 2001, leading to initial type certification during the third quarter of 2002 and first customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2002.
CRJ900 programme represents an investment of about $200 million Cdn. The programme will also produce about 1000 jobs in Montreal and about 400 jobs in Belfast. Montreal will build the wings, cockpit and fairings, and carry out final assembly. Belfast will build the remaining fuselage sections and the engine nacelles.
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