Chinese regional carrier China Express Airlines has been unveiled as the previously undisclosed customer for six Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, plus a further five options.

Bombardier announced in October that it had secured a conditional purchase agreement with an unnamed Chinese airline covering six CRJ900s and five options. It represents the Canadian airframer's first CRJ900 deal in China.

If all 11 aircraft are firmed up, the deal would be worth $491 million at list prices, said Bombardier.

The announcement was made during a visit to Beijing by Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper and Bombardier president Pierre Beaudoin.

China Express already operates a fleet of five Bombardier CRJ200s.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news