Bombardier Sells CRJ900 NextGen Airliner to Petroleum Air Services of Egypt

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Petroleum Air Services (PAS) of Cairo, Egypt has signed a contract to acquire one CRJ900 NextGen regional jet. The transaction also includes an option for another CRJ900 NextGen airliner. PAS’s CRJ900 NextGen aircraft will be the first CRJ Series aircraft to operate in Egypt.

Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen airliner, the contract is valued at approximately $42 million US and could increase to $85 million US if the option is converted to a firm order.

“We require a proven jet aircraft to enhance services to our oil company customers and for our touristic destinations,” said General Gamil Morad Ismail, Chairman and Managing Director, Petroleum Air Services. “The Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft has the performance we require in our harsh Middle Eastern operating environment; it has a comparatively low fuel burn; and based on our experience with our de Havilland and Bombardier turboprops, it will have the technical reliability we require.”

“Petroleum Air Services’ selection of the CRJ900 NextGen regional jet is a strong testimonial for the aircraft since the company is well respected and has a rigorous aircraft evaluation process,” said Chet Fuller, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We look forward to the entry into service of the first CRJ900 NextGen aircraft in Egypt.”

Established in 1982, PAS operates helicopter and fixed wing charter and air-taxi services primarily for the petroleum industry. Surplus hours are used by tour operators within Egypt and to international destinations within the region. Its current fleet includes four de Havilland Dash 7 aircraft and five Bombardier Q300 turboprops.

Like other members of the CRJ Series family of aircraft, the light weight and advanced aerodynamics of the 88-seat CRJ900 NextGen regional jet combine to deliver improved efficiency and reduced operating costs compared to other aircraft in its class. The combination of a larger winglet and other optimizations since the launch of the CRJ900 aircraft program, give the CRJ900 NextGen regional jet excellent airfield performance and enroute fuel consumption. All CRJ NextGen aircraft feature new interiors with larger overhead luggage bins, larger windows, improved lighting and redesigned ceiling panels.

Including the order from PAS, the CRJ Series family of aircraft has attracted 1,709 firm orders (including 266 orders for CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft), with 1,647 delivered as of July 31, 2011. CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines. In addition, corporate variants of CRJ Series aircraft are in service with another 30 operators. The worldwide fleet of CRJ Series aircraft has amassed more than 31 million flight hours and 26 million take-off and landing cycles.

BOMBARDIER