Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 30 CRJ900 regional jets with Bombardier.

The deal, which requires bankruptcy court approval, is valued at $1.1 billion. This could increase to $2.3 billion if options are firmed, notes Bombardier in a statement.

Although no other details are being disclosed, last month Delta asked its bankruptcy court to approve the purchase of up to 60 76-seat CRJ900s.

“Delta Air Lines and its Delta Connection carriers have been Bombardier CRJ aircraft customers since 1989 and currently operate more than 350 CRJ Series aircraft,” says Bombardier Regional Aircraft president Steven Ridolfi. “Delta has played a major role in the success of the CRJ program and we are grateful for their continuing confidence in our regional jet products.”

Adds Delta Connection vice president Shawn Anderson: “The acquisition of these aircraft will help Delta meet its network and operational needs for 2007 and 2008, allowing us to continue providing convenient service to the places where customers most want to travel.”

No other details are immediately available.

Yesterday Delta’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy reorganisation as soon as April was approved by a US court. That restructuring includes a revival of its feeder network.

Source: FlightGlobal.com