Russian firm signs USD 2.6 bn deal for 32 Bombardier planes
Moscow, Feb 22 : Russian leasing company Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) has signed a USD 2.56 billion deal with Canadian airplane manufacturer Bombardier to buy 32 CS-300 medium-haul aircraft, Bombardier said.
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, Qu�bec, 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.