Russian firm signs $2.6 bn deal for 32 Bombardier planes

By IANS/RIA Novosti,

Moscow: Russian leasing company Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) has signed a $2.56 billion deal with Canadian airplane manufacturer Bombardier to buy 32 CS-300 medium-haul aircraft, Bombardier said.


Support TwoCircles

The deal includes an option for 10 more CS-300 planes.

“Based on the list price for the CS300 aircraft, a firm order from IFC for 32 aircraft would be valued at approximately $2.56 billion. Should IFC also exercise its 10 options, the contract would have a total value of approximately $3.42 billion,” Bombardier said in a statement.

The planes will be delivered in 2015-2018, IFC said.

The deal was signed during a visit by IFC officials to Bombardier’s final assembly facility in Mirabel, Quebec, following a letter of intent signed in August 2011.

“The aircraft leasing world is changing rapidly,” IFC CEO Alexander Rubtsov said.

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

The CS-300 narrow-body medium-range airliner can seat from 130 to 150 passengers and has a maximum range of 5,463 km.

Currently, 95 Bombardier’s CRJ regional jets and Dash 8/Q-Series aircraft are in service or on order in Russia and former Soviet republics.

Bombardier is also exploring opportunities for its Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft in Russia, the company says.

SUPPORT TWOCIRCLES HELP SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND NON-PROFIT MEDIA. DONATE HERE