Bombardier Aerospace has delivered the first of its new regional jet variant, the 75-seat Bombardier CRJ705, to Air Canada Jazz at the Bombardier Dorval facility, in Quebec. The firm order, valued at $821.2 million US and covering 15 CRJ705 and 15 CRJ200 aircraft, was announced on September 27, 2004.

The aircraft was accepted by Joseph D. Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada Jazz who said: "It is a privilege to be the launch customer for the Bombardier CRJ705 airliner. This new aircraft will join our already expanded fleet of 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 jets and Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft. By the middle of 2006, Jazz will operate close to 130 Canadian-built regional aircraft. We will have the right mix of aircraft to effectively serve the markets to which we fly, and to provide connections onward with Air Canada and the other Star Alliance members."

Air Canada Jazz Bombardier CRJ705 aircraft have 10 Executive Class seats at 37-inch pitch and 65 Hospitality Class seats at a very comfortable 34-inch pitch.

The Bombardier CRJ705 LR model has a maximum take-off weight of 84,500 pounds and is powered by two General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofan engines of 13,360 pounds thrust at take-off. It has a range of 2,344 miles with 75 passengers and their baggage. It can fly at 547 miles per hour.

The CRJ705 aircraft has demonstrated both noise and emission levels well below those required by international standards, making it a very environmentally friendly aircraft.

Avionics and cockpit systems commonality with the Bombardier CRJ200, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft families means all models can be flown by the same pilot pool, significantly reducing training costs.

FMI: www.bombardier.com