Atlasjet of Istanbul, Turkey has signed a firm order for three 90-seat Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet airliners and has taken options on two additional CRJ900 aircraft.

The firm order contract is valued at approximately $107 million US.

"We are delighted that Atlasjet is increasing its capacity with the CRJ900 aircraft," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "Its economics are significantly better than those of our competitors and it delivers seat-mile costs similar to those of much larger narrow-body jet aircraft."

Atlasjet has been operating two previously owned 70-passenger Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft since May 2005 on domestic Turkish routes. The addition of the CRJ900 aircraft will allow Atlasjet to stimulate growth on these routes.

"Our decision to acquire the Bombardier CRJ900 as our larger regional jet was based directly on our experience with the CRJ700," said Tuncay Doganer, General Manager, Atlasjet.

"The CRJ700 is a very economic and reliable aircraft. It allows us to attain our goal of fast turn-around times because we can load and unload passengers and their baggage more quickly. The CRJ700 also allows us to offer fully competitive airfares. We expect the same qualities from the Bombardier CRJ900."

Atlasjet was established in 2001 with two Boeing 757 jetliners. It currently operates six Boeing 757, nine Airbus A320 (with three Airbus 319 on order) and two Bombardier CRJ700 jets. The airline serves more than 50 scheduled and charter destinations in Turkey and Europe. As an IATA member, the airline has interline agreements in place with more than 30 airlines worldwide.

As of December 31, 2005, the Bombardier CRJ Series total order book stood at 1,428 aircraft, with 1,321 aircraft delivered and a firm order backlog of 107 aircraft.

FMI: www.bombardier.com