Picture: Courtesy of Bombardier Aerospace 

Bombardier Aerospace announced today it signed an purchase agreement with Moscow-based Ilyushin Finance Co for 32 CS300 aircraft valued at approximately $2.56 billion at list prices plus 10 options the contract would have a total value of approximately $3.42 billion should options be exercised.
The transaction which follows a letter of intent signed by IFC in 2011, is subject to approval by the company’s shareholders.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft President Mike Arcamone said “This is a landmark opportunity for Bombardier Aerospace and its CSeries aircraft, The CSeries aircraft was tailor-made for operation in this vast region and has the potential to offer a step-change in air travel in Russia and throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States. “

Director General IFC Alexander Rubtsov said “As older, less efficient designs present ongoing challenges to airlines – given high fuel costs and heightened environmental concerns – the CSeries aircraft offers transcontinental range, superior field and runway performance, and a superb cabin that will bring air transport into the 21st century.”

Mr. Rubtsov also noted that the order for the game-changing, technologically advanced CSeries jetliners is its first large, non-Russian aircraft order, adding that the CSeries aircraft, with its capacity and performance, is ideally placed between the Russian Superjet and the MC-21 aircraft, which IFC has committed to purchase.

In the Commonwealth of Independent States and Russia 95 CRJ regional jets and Dash 8/Q-Series aircraft are in service or on order in addition, Bombardier is also exploring opportunities for its Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft in Russia.

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 20th February 2013 All Rights Reserved.