Bomberdiar

Private regional airline China Express Airlines (China Express) has placed a firm order with Bombardier for ten more CRJ900 regional jets, valued at $462.6m in list price.

With the latest order, China Express exercised its previously acquired options for eight CRJ900 planes. The airline ordered 38 CRJ900 aircraft, of which 20 have been delivered so far.

China Express Airlines president Wu Longjiang said: "China Express is committed to providing air services to people in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities in China.

"Our mission is to improve the connectivity by air for those communities.

"The CRJ900 is the right aircraft for our co-operation with major airlines on code sharing and connecting flights, as well as co-operation with cities.

"It offers excellent economics and reliability and is well liked by our passengers.

"We continue to expand our fleet with these fine aircraft to serve both current and future demand and destinations."

"The CRJ900 is the right aircraft for our co-operation with major airlines on code sharing and connecting flights, as well as co-operation with cities."

China Express started its operations in 2006 and currently serves 62 cities in China.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft China and North Asia Sales vice-president Andy Solem said: "Our 2015-2034 Commercial Aircraft Market Forecast expects delivery of some 900 60 to 100-seat airliners to China during the forecast period and the CRJ900 regional jet is proving to be a perfect fit in that market segment."

Bombardier has currently received 1,883 firm orders for its CRJ series of aircraft.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said: "Bombardier has made significant enhancements to the CRJ900 aircraft since its introduction, most significantly a 5.5% fuel burn reduction compared to earlier models.

"The aircraft is now in service with more than 20 airlines and other operators that recognise its superior performance.

"With today’s announcement, we are delighted that firm orders for CRJ900 jetliners have crossed another milestone and now stand at 409 aircraft."

In June, Bombardier delivered the first of 30 enhanced CRJ900 NextGen aircraft to American Airlines.

Image: The CRJ900 aircraft with China Express Airlines branding. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.