Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) cites the eventual availability of a 70-seat derivative as one reason for selecting the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) to meet its 50-seat requirements, and Bombardier is hopeful that the airline will add to the existing 90-aircraft commitment.
The Delta Connection carrier will place firm orders for 30 CRJs and take options on a further 60 (Flight International 15-21 January). While some of the later options could be converted to the 70-seat CRJ-X which is available from 2000, the airline intends that all 90 aircraft will be taken as the 50-seat version. Bombardier is therefore hopeful that any purchases for 70-seat aircraft will mean additional orders.
ASA's selection of the CRJ followed a "very close" competition with the Embraer EMB-145. Bombardier says it was "extremely competitive" on cost of ownership versus the cheaper EMB-145.
Source: Flight International
