Russia's Ilyushin Finance Co. Firms Purchase Agreement for up to 42 Bombardier CSeries Aircraft

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Korea Newswire)--Bombardier Aerospace announced today that its purchase agreement with Moscow-based leasing company Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) has been approved by IFC's shareholders and is now firm. The firm purchase agreement covers the acquisition of 32 CS300 aircraft and options for an additional 10 CS300 aircraft, following a letter of intent signed by IFC in 2011 and a conditional purchase agreement announced by Bombardier on February 20, 2013.

Based on the list price for the CS300 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $2.56 billion US. Should IFC also exercise its 10 options, the contract would have a total value of approximately $3.42 billion US.

“Operators in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as those based in other parts of the world, have expressed interest in acquiring the CSeries aircraft since older, less efficient aircraft designs are presenting ongoing challenges because of high fuel costs and heightened environmental awareness,” said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. “With its clean-sheet, advanced technology design, the CS300 jetliners will help to alleviate these concerns, while offering excellent range, superior field and runway performance, and a superb cabin that will bring airline transport into the 21st century.”

Mr. Rubtsov also noted that the CSeries aircraft, with its capacity and performance, is ideally placed between the smaller Russian Superjet and the larger capacity Russian MC-21 aircraft, which IFC has committed to purchase. Additionally, he confirmed that the CS300 aircraft with the extra capacity seating option will be available for international operators interested in higher density configurations.

“This is a landmark order for Bombardier Aerospace and its CSeries aircraft, as well as for this premier Russian leasing company,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “IFC's order confirms that the CSeries aircraft is ideal for a step-change in air travel throughout the CIS and elsewhere in the world.”

Currently, 95 CRJ regional jets and Dash 8/Q-Series aircraft are in service, or on order, in Russia and the CIS. In addition, Bombardier is also exploring sale opportunities for its Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft in Russia and the CIS following the aircraft type approval that was awarded in June 2012 by the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) − commonly known by its Russian acronym, MAK − and subsequent entry-into-service of a Q400 aircraft by Yakutia Airlines from the airline's base in northeast Russia.

CSeries aircraft

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20* per cent fuel burn advantage. With the extra capacity seating option, the CS300 aircraft‘s productivity further improves, offering airlines an average of four* per cent additional cash operating cost advantage per seat. The CSeries aircraft’s clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km)*. The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs. (5,443 kg)* lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

As of March 31, 2013, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft that include firm orders for 145 CSeries airliners.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, we posted revenues of $16.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Website: http://www.bombardier.com

This is a news release distributed by Korea Newswire on behalf of this company.