After unveiling its new Learjet 40 on the eve of the show, Bombardier arrived in bullish mood to announce a launch customer for the new light business jet and $80 million of sales.
The lion's share of the new cash was bagged by the Regional Aircraft business unit. John Giraudy, president Bombardier Regional Aircraft was on hand to announce that Delta Connection operators had exercised options on three CRJ aircraft in deals worth $73 million. Atlantic Southeast Airlines and Comair will between them take two Bombardier CRJ200s and one 70-seat CRJ700 regional jet.
Bombardier Business Aircraft announced Eurojet Italia as the launch customer for the Learjet 40 and the customer for the 100th Global Express. Peter Edwards, head of the business unit, was joined by Eurojet Italia boss Eduardo Rubino to sign a deal for one Learjet 40 and one option.
The Learjet 40 comes with a price tag of $6.8 million. Styanford Financial Corporation of Texas will take the 100th Global Express in December this year.
Pierre Beaudoin, president of Bombardier Aerospace, was on hand to give an overview of the company's current position and a robust defence of its place in the regional jet market despite current difficulties.
He admits that the downgrading of airlines by analysts in recent months has made aircraft financing more expensive.
Source: Flight Daily News