Bombardier Delivers First of Seven CRJ900 Aircraft to Mesa Airlines

First of seven aircraft to be operated under the American Eagle brand, in the American Airlines network

Enhanced CRJ900 aircraft offers up to 5.5 per cent lower fuel consumption than earlier-generation CRJ900 aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that it has delivered the first of seven CRJ900 aircraft to Mesa Air Group, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona (Mesa Airlines). Mesa will operate the aircraft for American Airlines under the American Eagle brand. The aircraft delivered is one of a firm order for seven announced on March 12, 2015.

The CRJ900 delivery ceremony held today at Bombardier’s Mirabel, Québec facility, was attended by executives of both Mesa Airlines and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“As the launch customer of the CRJ900 and a Bombardier customer for more than 25 years, we are thrilled to add the newest CRJ900 aircraft to our fleet. Bombardier and the CRJ Series aircraft continue to play a significant role in Mesa’s continuing growth strategy,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The CRJ900 aircraft with its advanced technology and enhanced fuel efficiencies remains a reliable and cost-effective regional jet solution for our growing fleet. We would like to thank our longtime friends at Bombardier for their continued collaboration.”

“Earlier this month, Mesa Airlines and Bombardier signed a five-year Heavy Maintenance Agreement and today, we celebrate the first delivery of the enhanced CRJ900 aircraft to Mesa Airlines --demonstrating our ongoing collaboration as Mesa looks to increase flight frequencies and open new routes across North America,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are very happy to again be teaming with our loyal customer, Mesa to meet passenger requirements for many years to come.”

The aircraft delivered today will increase Mesa’s fleet of CRJ900 regional jets to 58, reconfirming the airline’s standing as one of the largest operators of this aircraft model. Mesa’s new CRJ900 aircraft are configured with 76 seats in a dual-class interior. The airline also operates 20 CRJ700 aircraft with 70 seats in a three-class interior. By September 2015, Mesa’s currently scheduled deliveries will bring its regional jet fleet total to 115.

As of March 31, 2015, Bombardier had recorded firm orders for 1,865 CRJ Series aircraft, including 391 CRJ900 aircraft.