Lufthansa is already stamping its authority on German regional airline Eurowings, in which it acquired a 24.9% stake earlier this year. It has placed an order with Bombardier for up to 45 CRJ200 regional jets for operation by its new associate, to ensure commonality with its wholly owned subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine, which has 65 CRJs in service or on order.
The latest contract comprises 15 firm orders, at an estimated value of $340 million, plus options for another 30 aircraft. Deliveries will begin October and run through to spring 2003. In the interim, Eurowings will lease five CRJ200s, which are due to enter service with the Dortmund-based airline in early June.
The German regional operates a mixed fleet comprising A319s, ATR 42s and 72s and British Aerospace 146s.
Source: Flight International
