Bombardier News

Bombardier’s CSeries test aircraft lifted off from Montreal’s Mirabel airport on its sixth test flight. What is significant about this is that it is the first time that Bombardier has flown the CSeries test flights on consecutive days.

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that Abidjan-based airline, Air Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a conditional purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen aircraft with options for an additional two Q400 NextGen aircraft. Air Côte d’Ivoire is the national airline of Ivory Coast. Based on list price, the contract value for two firm-ordered Q400 NextGen aircraft would be approximately $69 million US. Should the two options be converted to firm orders, the contract value would increase to $141 million US.

“The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into our fleet,” said René Decurey, Chief Executive Officer, Air Côte d’Ivoire. “We will capitalize on the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s outstanding performance -- including its high speed and long-range cruise capability – as we look to modernize our fleet and expand our domestic and regional route network. Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficientQ400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations.”

“We are proud that Bombardier is contributing to the growth strategy of Air Côte d’Ivoire, and that the carrier could potentially double the size of its current fleet with Q400 NextGen aircraft as it further develops its network of short- and medium-haul destinations,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft is performing superbly in diverse environments around the world with some 50 customers and operators, and we are delighted to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to our family.

“Bombardier Commercial Aircraft continues to perform well in Africa, where we have captured 100 per cent market share over more than two years in the large turboprop segment,” added Mr. Arcamone. Bombardier regional aircraft have made significant advances in Africa to the point where Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets comprise 50 per cent share of the fleet of 37- to 120-seat aircraft on the continent, with approximately160 aircraft in service, or on order, by more than 50 operators.

Longtime Bombardier customer to increase its fleet of robust Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Abu Dhabi Aviation, based in Abu Dhabi, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for two Q400 NextGen aircraft. The airline is a longtime Bombardier Q-Series aircraft customer. Based on the list price, the potential contract value for Abu Dhabi Aviation’s transaction, covering two Q400 NextGen aircraft, would be approximately $70 million US. Abu Dhabi Aviation, the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, operates a fleet that includes one Q400 aircraft, one Dash 8/Q300 aircraft and two Dash 8/Q200 turboprops. The carrier’s main activities relate to the support of offshore oil, engineering and construction companies. “Our operation of Bombardier commercial aircraft spans over 20 years and the acquisition of the Q400 NextGen turboprop, with its exceptional performance and superior payload capability in our challenging operating environment, will allow us to serve our customers effectively,” said Nadir Al Hammadi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Aviation.

“Abu Dhabi Aviation’s long-term operation of Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops showcases the robust characteristics of these aircraft, and is a testament to their suitability for service in the world’s most demanding climatic conditions,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft in particular, is very well positioned against its closest competitor, affording operators significant economic advantages, flexibility and operational efficiencies.” Bombardier’s presence in the Middle East and Africa currently includes more than 200 Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops, CRJ regional jets and CSeries single-aisle; mainline aircraft in service or on firm order.

Bombardier Wraps Up a Successful Week at the 2013 Dubai Airshow

Bombardier and the Tianjin Airport Economic Area agree to establish a Maintenance Facility for Bombardier Business and Commercial Aircraft in China

Bombardier Aerospace and the Tianjin Airport Economic Area announced today that they have signed a letter of agreement to increase aircraft maintenance services in Mainland China. The agreement is a first step toward the creation of a joint venture, which is intended to result in the construction of a maintenance facility in 2016. Located in Tianjin, China, the facility will support the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and associated activities and services for all Bombardier business aircraft and, subject to certain conditions, on Bombardier commercial aircraft. Under the joint venture, the facility will be operated using similar processes and procedures that govern Bombardier’s wholly owned Service Centre network worldwide.

“China is an important market and we are excited and honoured to collaborate with the leaders of Tianjin,” said Éric Martel, President, Customer Services and Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace. “We are eager to have the opportunity to show customers our strong commitment to bringing OEM-backed services to their doorstep. Tianjin Airport Economic Area’s experience and strong leadership reinforce the fact that this is the right partnership that will lead to an amazing customer experience.”

“We are glad that our discussions with Bombardier Aerospace have led to this agreement and we are confident that the joint venture will be beneficial for our region,” said Huang Xingguo, Mayor of Tianjin. “Tianjin is a major and growing aerospace hub and fosters a business environment that will lead to the long-term success of the joint venture.” Bombardier Aerospace and the Tianjin Airport Economic Area are working toward definitive agreements to be signed in 2014, subject to obtaining the required internal, governmental and third-party approvals, as well as other usual conditions.

Bombardier is committed to putting its customers first by offering the highest level of support as close as possible to their operational bases. As part of its commitment to operators in China, Bombardier operates a localized customer service network, including a team of Field Service Representatives and Customer Support Account Managers, four Authorized Service Facilities, Regional Support Offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong and neighbouring Singapore, as well as two established parts depots in Beijing and Hong Kong. In addition, Bombardier continues to explore opportunities to increase its customer support presence in strategic locations.

The fast-growing Bombardier fleet of Learjet, Challenger and Global jets occupies a one-third share of the business jet market in Greater China. Bombardier’s latest market forecast for the aviation industry predicts a total of 2,420 business jet deliveries destined for China over the next 20 years. To date, Bombardier business aircraft based in the Greater China region have reached over 100 jets. In the 2013-2032 market forecast for commercial aircraft, Bombardier predicts that operators in Greater China will take delivery of 2,330 aircraft in the 20- to 149-seat commercial aircraft segment, making it the second most important region following the United States. More than 40 of Bombardier’s commercial aircraft are currently in operation in Greater China.

Bombardier Aerospace (Bombardier) and the Tianjin Airport Economic Area (TAEA) have signed a letter of agreement to increase aircraft maintenance services in Mainland China. The agreement is a first step toward the creation of a joint venture, which is intended to result in the construction of a maintenance facility in Tianjin in 2016.

Lear 35 taxiing for take off...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1BVmm4U8Cg

Bombardier and China Express Airlines Announce Purchase Agreements for up to 16 CRJ900 NextGen Aircraft.

Bombardier Aerospace today announced the appointment of Raymond Jones as Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. This appointment is effective immediately. Mr. Jones was most recently Vice President, Worldwide Strategic Accounts for Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“Ray Jones will bring solid experience and insight to his new role as head of sales at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “With a proven record of success at Bombardier Business Aircraft, notably with large fleet operators, Ray also has a truly international background. I am confident he will bring a global perspective to his new role, and will lead the commercial aircraft sales and marketing team to open new markets around the world.”

Mr. Jones has been selling business jets for Bombardier Business Aircraft for the past 10 years. In 2007 he was appointed Regional Vice President for Europe and in 2008, Vice President of International Sales. In 2011, he took on his most recent role as head of Worldwide Strategic Accounts. A certified commercial pilot and flying instructor, Mr. Jones spent 16 years in the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and holds a Master’s degree in Air Transport Management from City University, London (2001).

Mr. Jones will replace Chet Fuller, who is leaving Bombardier at the end of the year to pursue other career opportunities. “I wish to thank Chet for his contribution to Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and wish him well in his new endeavors,” Mr. Arcamone concluded.

Iraqi Airways has signed a firm order to purchase as many as 16 Bombardier CS300s. The firming followed a letter of intent (LOI) signed for the order at the Dubai air show in November. The deal includes firm orders for five CS300s from the start and options on another 11. The firm orders are worth $387 million at list prices, says Bombardier. However, if the options are converted in the future, the entire order will be worth $1.26 billion.

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry Co., Ltd. (“Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation”) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire 30 firm Q400 NextGen aircraft, as it prepares to launch commercial airline operations in China through an airline to be named “Sutong Airlines.” Sutong Airlines, to be based in Nantong, Jiangsu plans to operate an all-Bombardier fleet of Q400 NextGen airliners when it starts operations in 2015.

A ride on a Bombardier Challenger 604...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6S_2nMFMiU

Bombardier Enrolls Eurolot’s Three Newest Aircraft in its Q400 Smart Parts Program

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that Eurolot S.A. of Warsaw, Poland has reaffirmed its confidence in Bombardier’s market-leading Smart Parts program by enrolling its three newest Q400 NextGen aircraft. Eurolot, which took delivery of the new aircraft on October 29, 2013, now has a total of 11 Q400 NextGen aircraft enrolled in the program.

The Smart Parts agreement is customized to meet Eurolot’s specific operational and performance needs and will continue to provide the airline with competitive and predictable component exchange and repair costs, as well as superior quality and availability of key components, for its fleet of 11 Q400 NextGen turboprops.

“With our Smart Parts program, Eurolot can continue to count on the budget predictability and dispatch availability that are crucial to the successful operation of an airline today,” said Gary Martin, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Service Programs, Bombardier Customer Services. “This agreement reflects the strength of our aftermarket relationship with Eurolot and an ongoing trust in the value of our OEM-designed customer support.”

Eurolot is the first Polish airline to fly Q400 airliners. As part of an accelerated fleet renewal and route expansion strategy, Eurolot ordered eight Q400 NextGen aircraft in March 2012, with options for another 12, six of which were converted into firm orders.

Since Bombardier launched the Smart Parts program in 2008 for operators of Q400 turboprops, it has attracted a growing number of Q400 aircraft operators worldwide, including India’s SpiceJet, Luxembourg’s Luxair, Republic Airlines in the United States, Japan Air Commuter of Japan and Canada’s Jazz Aviation. The pioneering Smart Parts program has been providing cost protection and budget predictability for Bombardier’s business aircraft customers for more than 25 years. There are currently approximately 1,200 Bombardier business aircraft enrolled, covering over 80,000 components.

Bombardier Celebrates Endeavor Air’s CRJ900 NextGen Regional Jet Deliveries

Bombardier Aerospace today officially welcomed Delta Air Lines’ subsidiary Endeavor Air to the family of CRJ900 NextGen aircraft operators following the delivery commencement of the aircraft ordered by Delta Air Lines in December 2012. Delta has previously announced that the 40 firm-ordered aircraft will be operated by Endeavor Air under the Delta Connection brand. The order also includes options for 30 additional CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.

During a celebratory event surrounding the milestone CRJ900 NextGen aircraft that bears Serial Number 15300, Bombardier hosted Endeavor Air employees, including Ryan Gumm, President and Chief Executive Officer, Endeavor Air, at the company’s Mirabel, Québec facilities, where the CRJ Series aircraft are manufactured.

”We are excited Endeavor Air will be operating these new CRJ900 NextGen aircraft and look forward to working with Bombardier on the delivery of the remaining aircraft,” said Mr. Gumm. “Two-class CRJ aircraft are an important part of our go-forward fleet strategy as Delta continues upgrading aircraft to reflect the in-flight experience our customers prefer.”

“Bombardier’s pace-setting family of CRJ regional jets continues to set the standards for other manufacturers to follow, and Delta’s selection of the CRJ900 NextGen airliner to complement its fleet – after a very vigorous evaluation process – was a strong testimonial for the aircraft,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We look forward to continuing a strong relationship with Delta and we congratulate our friends at Endeavor Air who will be operating the aircraft under the Delta Connection brand.”

Delta Connection carriers currently operate more than 190 CRJ700 and CRJ900 dual-class aircraft, and a total CRJ aircraft fleet of more than 400 jets.

As of September 30, 2013, Bombardier had recorded firm orders for 1,779 CRJ Series aircraft, including 306 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and more than 30 customers operate corporate variants of the aircraft. The aircraft are operating in over 50 countries on six continents, and on average, a CRJ aircraft takes off every 10 seconds somewhere in the world. CRJ Series aircraft have transported more than 1.4 billion passengers and have logged more than 38 million flight hours and over 32 million takeoffs and landings.

Monarch still keeping its eyes on the C-Series as an order possibility

Monarch Airlines chief executive Iain Rawlinson says the carrier’s fleet renewal programme is a "three-horse race", with an order for 20 Bombardier CSeries airliners a distinct possibility. The UK leisure group could assign up to a third of its planned 60-aircraft order to the CS300 as part of a mixed package, most likely alongside the Boeing 737 Max or the Airbus A320neo or A321neo, says Rawlinson.

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that American Airlines Group Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft and has also taken options on an additional 40.

Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately $1.42 billion US and could increase to approximately $3.38 billion US if the 40 options are converted into firm orders.

With this order, American Airlines becomes the first customer to benefit from the latest enhancements to the CRJ900 NextGen regional jet. In addition to the four per cent improvement in fuel burn already achieved with the “NextGen” package, enhancements to the aircraft’s powerplant and ongoing weight reduction initiatives, which include upgraded avionics, will offer a further reduction of up to 1.5 per cent. Altogether, this represents a 5.5 per cent fuel burn reduction over the earlier generation CRJ900 aircraft, and up to 5.0 per cent lower fuel burn compared to announced competitive, in-production jets in the same seat class.

“It’s been an exciting week for American Airlines,” said Peter Warlick, Vice President, Fleet Planning, American Airlines. “We’ve closed our merger with US Airways Group, Inc. and as we begin the work to harmonize the American and US Airways operations, an agreement like this with Bombardier will greatly improve our ability to optimize our flying with the right aircraft to meet customer demand. This order will allow American to lower costs by replacing older aircraft.”

“We congratulate American Airlines and US Airways on their merger and are delighted that the merged airline will use Bombardier aircraft for its present and future fleet requirements,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Our ongoing commitment to the technological updates of our product offerings is today realized with value enhancements made to the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Over the years we have been successfully driving down operating costs by introducing fuel efficiency improvements and maintenance cost reductions. The product enhancements to the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft offer fuel cost savings of up to $500,000 US* per aircraft.”

Including the American Airlines order announced today, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,812 CRJ Series aircraft, including 339 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and more than 30 customers operate corporate variants of the aircraft. The aircraft are operating in over 50 countries on six continents, and on average, a CRJ aircraft takes off every 10 seconds somewhere in the world. CRJ Series aircraft have transported more than 1.4 billion passengers and have logged more than 38 million flight hours and over 32 million takeoffs and landings.

Bombardier is preparing to deliver the first Learjet 70 business jets, following certification of the light-cabin aircraft on 12 December.

Some Q400 turboprob news...

http://www.bombardier.com/en/media-centre/newsList/details.bombardier-aerospace20131218bombardierandaircotedivoirereachfirm.html

Not news but a video onboard a Learjet 55...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgYNyRMIKzM