Low-Fare Carrier Is Tenth Customer For CSeries
Bombardier Aerospace announced Tuesday that Atlasjet Havacilik
A.S. of Istanbul, Turkey has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to
acquire 10 CS300 jetliners (pictured in manufacturer photo) with
options for five more. Based on list price, the contract value is
$776 million, or $1.18 billion if all five options are converted to
firm orders.
“There are several reasons why we selected
Bombardier’s all-new CS300 aircraft,” said Murat Ersoy,
Chairman, Atlasjet. “The CS300 aircraft has the best
economics in its class; it is well suited for our unique operations
in hot temperature environments; and, based on its performance and
economics, it will return the highest profitability in strategic
markets. With its offering of widebody comfort in a single-aisle
aircraft, it is the right-sized platform for us.”
“We consider airlines operating in Turkey and the Middle
East to be prime candidates for CSeries aircraft,” said Guy
C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier
Aerospace. “Airlines in the region face revenue and
performance challenges as
their current fleets are composed mainly of jet aircraft larger
than the CSeries aircraft. The CSeries aircraft gives airlines a
right-sized solution optimized for their environment and
operation.”
Founded in 2001, Atlasjet operates 17 aircraft on domestic and
international routes with scheduled and charter services. Atlasjet
is operated and managed by Ersoy Turistik Servisleri (ETS), a
conglomerate of travel companies with tourism offices across
Turkey. Atlasjet operates domestic scheduled passenger services and
regular charter flights to cities across Europe, Kazakhstan, Iraq
and Saudi Arabia. Operating from its main base at Atatürk
International Airport, Istanbul, the airline also has hubs at Adnan
Menderes Airport, Izmir and Antalya Airport.
“The CSeries aircraft has the range and payload capability
that meet our mission requirement,” said Orhan Coskun, Chief
Executive Officer, Atlasjet. “The CSeries aircraft has
excellent operational flexibility and that’s what we
need.”
Bombardier forecasts that Turkey will play a key role in the
transformation of the aviation industry in the Middle East and
Eastern Europe. Carriers in the region, especially in Turkey and
the Middle East, have consistently reported increased annual
revenues and capacity growth.
Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per
cent new CSeries family of aircraft combines advanced materials,
leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial
airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. Powered by Pratt &
Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries promises to be up to
12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) lighter than other aircraft in the same
seat-capacity category.