Croatian Flag Carrier Hold Options on Two More

Bombardier Aerospace delivered the first of four Q400 turboprop airliners ordered by Croatia Airlines of Zagreb, Croatia this week stemming from an order announced on June 4, 2007. Croatia Airlines holds options on two additional Q400 aircraft.

The aircraft was accepted by Vanja Roller, Executive Vice-President Maintenance and Engineering of Croatia Airlines during a ceremony at the Bombardier Commercial Aircraft delivery center at Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport.

"This begins a new era in the evolution of Croatia Airlines," said Roller. "Our 76-seat Q400 aircraft will allow us to match capacity with demand on routes not suited to our larger jet aircraft. Because of the speed of the Q400 aircraft, we can also deploy it on longer routes with little additional flying time. And, of course, the Q400 aircraft has superb environmental credentials."

A Star Alliance member, Croatia Airlines provides passenger service on short and mid-range flights in Economy and Business Classes within Europe. The company aims to meet the demands of the market and the passengers by providing a quality service based on safety, punctual flights, knowing the market, and working together with established and well-known airline companies.

"We welcome Croatia Airlines to the growing family of airlines now operating the Q400 aircraft," said Anne Woodyatt, Vice-President Contracts, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "With its outstanding economy of operation, speed, quietness and passenger comfort, the Q400 airliner is leading the revival of turboprop travel."

Bombardier Q400 aircraft firm orders stand at 301 aircraft, with 190 delivered as of January 31, 2008.

FMI:  www.bombardier.com, www.croatiaairlines.com