Ireland-based regional airline CityJet has entered a conditional purchase agreement with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft for six CRJ900 planes, with additional options on four aircraft.

The conditional order is valued at around $280m, which could increase up to $467m if all the options are exercised.

Once delivered, the aircraft will be operated by CityJet on wet lease in the Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) network.

CityJet executive chairman Pat Byrne said: “The reputable, modern CRJ900 aircraft offers great passenger comfort while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility; both important factors in our business model.

“We have been very satisfied with the performance of the CRJ900 regional jets, which have proven themselves to be the ideal and most efficient aircraft for our contract flying with Scandinavian Airlines.”

The airline currently has a fleet of eight CRJ900 aircraft, which are on wet lease service with SAS, and plans to take delivery of four new CRJ900 aircraft by early this year.  This would increase its CRJ900 fleet to 12 aircraft.

“The reputable, modern CRJ900 aircraft offers great passenger comfort while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility."

After acquiring SAS subsidiary carrier Cimber, CityJet will also operate Cimber’s fleet of 11 CRJ900 aircraft, which will be replaced by the newly announced order.

Bombardier Europe, Russia & Commonwealth of Independent States commercial aircraft sales vice-president Ryan DeBrusk said: “The CRJ900 aircraft is ideally suited to growing markets across Europe and is creating excellent value for a wide variety of operators with its superior performance, economics and enhanced cabin amenities.”

Last month, the company delivered the first CRJ200 Special Freighter (CRJ200SF) aircraft to launch operator Gulf & Caribbean Cargo.

Image: CRJ900 aircraft in SAS livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.