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.