Mike Martin
Bombardier got Farnborough '98 off to a flying start yesterday with two orders worth a total of more than $700 million.
The first is for 27 Canadair Regional Jet 200 and 700 series aircraft from Atlanta-based Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) worth $575 million.
The second order is the conversion of existing options for seven additional Regional Jets by Midway Airlines Corporation. The deal is worth $148 million.
For ASA, a Delta Connection carrier, it is a first order of 12 aircraft for the 70-passenger CRJ Series 700, and a reorder of 15 of the CRJ Series 200.
COMPLETED
Deliveries for ASA's Series 200 will begin in February 2000 and continue at a rate of one a month. Delivery of the Series 700 aircraft will begin in the fourth quarter of 2001 and be completed in the first quarter of 2003.
"In service, the Canadair Regional Jet has demonstrated its excellent passenger appeal and operational flexibility over the ASA route system," says John Beiser, president of ASA.
"The speed and range of the 50-seat model, combined with the excellent operating efficiencies of the 70-seat version, ensure that ASA is strategically positioned for growth well into the future."
ASA has used its CRJ fleet for growth in new markets and to replace EMB-120 turboprop aircraft in its Atlanta hub.
Midway Airlines' option conversion entails first delivery of the Series 200ER aircraft in July 1999 with completion of deliveries in the same year.
Source: Flight Daily News
