A subsidiary of Canada-based Chorus Aviation (Chorus) has signed a firm purchase agreement for five Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, with purchase rights for another five CRJ900 jets.

Based on the list price, the firm order is valued at around $229m and could increase to $467m, if Chorus exercise all its purchase rights.

Following delivery, the five firm-ordered aircraft will be operated by Jazz Aviation (Jazz), another subsidiary of Chorus, under the Air Canada Express banner.

"These efficient aircraft are an important component of our cost reduction plans."

Chorus president and CEO Joseph Randell said: "The addition of these new CRJ900 aircraft will continue Jazz’s fleet renewal and growth programme that began in 2011, and provide unit operating costs that are amongst the lowest of any regional aircraft.

"These efficient aircraft are an important component of our cost reduction plans and will be an outstanding complement to our exclusive fleet of Bombardier turboprops and regional jets."

Along with Bombardier, Jazz will now reconfigure its existing fleet of 16 CRJ705 aircraft into CRJ900 aircraft with 76 seats.

With a fleet of 114 Bombardier aircraft, Jazz also expects to reconfigure its current fleet of 21 Q400 turboprops with an additional four seats to increase each aircraft’s passenger capacity to 78.

Jazz operates all the 37 CRJ705 and Q400 turboprops under Air Canada Express banner.

Under the Jazz brand, the airline provides charters throughout North America with a fleet of five Bombardier aircraft for corporate clients, governments, special interest groups and individuals seeking more convenience.

Trident Jet (Jersey) recently placed an order for four additional CRJ900 aircraft to Bombardier Commercial Aircraft for lease to Irish regional airline CityJet.

Based on list prices, the order is worth approximately $183.9m.

Inclusive of the Chorus order, Bombardier has booked a total of 1,892 firm orders for CRJ Series aircraft, including 420 CRJ900 aircraft.

Image: Jazz will reconfigure its existing fleet of 16 CRJ705 aircraft into CRJ900 aircraft with 76 seats. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.