CRJ900s, Challenger 605s Heading For New Homes

Bombardier Aerospace announced two new orders Thursday. Libyan Airlines recently signed a firm order for three Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets, with options for two more, while Germany's Air Independence placed a firm order for three widebody Challenger 605 business jets. The orders are worth a combined $190 million at list prices, excluding the options.

Libyan Airlines currently serves 27 destinations with passenger and cargo service in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. "This purchase represents the launching of our fleet renewal program," said Eng. Tarek Arebi, Chairman, Libyan Airlines. "The CRJ900 aircraft was selected because we believe it is the type of regional jet that can meet the requirement of domestic and regional routes on our network."

Bombardier states including this order, 213 CRJ900 airliners are now in service with, or have been ordered by, a variety of airlines around the globe. As of April 30, 2007, Bombardier had delivered 1,423 CRJ Series aircraft, including 254 CRJ700, 15 CRJ705 and 100 CRJ900 aircraft to operators.

Air Independence will base its newest Challengers in Munich. The new planes are scheduled for delivery between October 2009 and end of February 2010.

"Our customers love our current Challenger business jet fleet. Spacious, ultra silent cabins, transcontinental range, versatility and overall travel comfort make this family of aircraft perfect for European charter operation," said Andrian Feuchter, managing director, Air Independence. "We expect this satisfaction level will climb even higher once the Challenger 605 jets join the fleet. The cabin feels even more spacious and brighter and the aircraft’s impressive new technology features will undoubtedly contribute towards even greater passenger comfort and productivity."

In service since January 2007 with Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, the Challenger 605 features the widest stand-up cabin of any large category business jet available today. It is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and features an all-new cabin electronic system. The aircraft can whisk five-passengers from Munich-Boston and, if conditions are right, even Munich-Calcutta non-stop.

Air Independence currently operates two Challenger 604 jets and one Challenger 800 aircraft. The Challenger 605 aircraft will join the Air Independence fleet upon entry into service.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.airindependence.com, www.ln.aero (under construction)