Aircraft

Bombardier expects to close CRJ200 lease deals with two operators by year-end - one of which is thought to be a major contract with Russia's UTair Aviation for 20 aircraft.

Rod Sheridan, vice-president of the commercial aircraft division at Bombardier's Asset Management arm, says aircraft in the forthcoming deals will be deployed in point-to-point flying and to inaugurate new service.

Speaking at Flightglobal's US Valuation Conference in Washington DC, Sheridan declined to provide specifics as the discussions are ongoing. However, sources indicate that one of the deals will cover 20 aircraft for UTair, which is understood to have already signed a letter of intent.

The other discussion concerns roughly 10 CRJ200s for use by a regional airline based in a small country for both domestic and international service, the source says. The aircraft will enable the airline to offer direct, point-to-point routes that are presently offered through its main hub, and launch new city pairs.