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Montreal-based Bombardier Aerospace has received a firm order for 40 CRJ900 NextGen regional jets from Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, with an option to add another 30.

The firm order for CRJ900 NextGen aircraft is valued at about $1.85bn at list prices, and could reach $3.29bn if the option for a further 30 aircraft is turned into firm orders.

Delta Connection, a flight connection service of mainline carrier Delta Air Lines, will deploy the new CRJ900 NextGen regional jets, which will feature 76 seats in a two-class layout. Delta Air Lines president Ed Bastian said that the company selected Bombardier’s CRJ900 NextGen aircraft as it has proven to be a cost-efficient jet.

"We have selected the CRJ aircraft for our restructuring plan based on the strength and reliability of their performance with our Delta Connection carriers over the years," Bastian added.

Delta Connection currently operates the world’s largest CRJ fleet, which is comprised of 286 CRJ200, 79 CRJ700 and 101 CRJ900 jetliners.

"CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 operators from 50 countries across the world."

The company’s CRJ900 jet fleet includes 57 deployed by Pinnacle Airlines, 28 by SkyWest Airlines and 16 by ExpressJet Airlines.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said the agreement builds on a relationship that has existed for 20 years, and that the company is delighted that Delta continues to select Bombardier CRJ regional jets to replenish its fleet.

Since 1993, CRJ aircraft have been in service with Delta Connection when Comair became the first carrier in North America to fly the CRJ100 regional jet. Bombardier has to date recorded firm orders for 1,775 CRJ Series aircraft, including 314 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Montreal company has also received a firm order for seven CRJ700 NextGen aircraft from an undisclosed Chinese customer. This agreement, including ancillary services, is estimated to be worth about $330m.

CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 operators from 50 countries across the world and more than 30 customers deploy its corporate models.

Image: Delta Connection, a flight connection service of Delta Air Lines, will deploy the new CRJ900 NextGen regional jets. Photo courtesy of Bombardier Aerospace.