Leasing Company To Acquire Up To 50 CSeries Aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced Thursday that a wholly owned affiliate of Macquarie AirFinance has signed a firm purchase agreement for 40 CS300 jetliners and has taken options on an additional 10 CS300 aircraft.

Macquarie AirFinance, which currently owns or manages 136 jet aircraft leased to 73 operators in 43 countries across six continents, will lease the CS300 aircraft to airline operators around the world. Delivery of the aircraft will be on a phased basis from 2017 to 2019.

"Macquarie AirFinance's selection of the CS300 aircraft is a strong endorsement of the aircraft type and we are looking forward to working with this unique lessor to expand the market for our 100%-new jetliner," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "We anticipate continued momentum in the CSeries aircraft program as we confirm our performance predictions for the aircraft."

"With its outstanding performance, transcontinental range, operating cost advantage, widebody comfort and cabin flexibility, the CS300 aircraft is tailor-made to meet the fleet replacement requirements of airlines and other operators around the world," said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

"We welcome the addition of Bombardier's CS300 to Macquarie AirFinance's portfolio. This agreement is consistent with Macquarie AirFinance's approach of seeking carefully considered transactions to expand the reach of our successful aircraft leasing business," said Stephen Cook, Chairman of Macquarie AirFinance. "The CS300 will allow us to offer our customers the only type of aircraft optimized for the upper end of the 100- to 150-seat market segment. Its advanced technologies, attractive economics and environmental attributes were key factors in our selection of the CS300 jetliner."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.bombardier.com