Bombardier today officially launched a stretch version of its CRJ900, a 100-seat aircraft called the CRJ1000 that the Canadian manufacturer began discussing early last year after shelving its original CSeries plan.
Previously designated the CRJ900X, the CRJ1000 holds a list price of over $46 million and launches with 38 firm orders, of which 15 are CRJ900 conversions. Bombardier has also secured 23 “conditional” orders and options for the type.
Of these, Italy’s Myair as expected is converting 15 of its 19 CRJ900 regional jet orders to CRJ1000s (pictured below). The carrier’s original CRJ900 order, placed in September 2006, included rights to convert up to 15 units to the larger derivative in the event the manufacturer launched the programme.
Air France subsidiary Brit Air has also placed a firm order for eight CRJ1000 aircraft, and has options on eight more.
A third, undisclosed customer, has placed a firm order for 15 of the aircraft, with a conditional order for an additional 15.
Bombardier says the CRJ1000 is scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2009. First flight is scheduled for the summer of 2008.
“We anticipated the need for larger regional aircraft when we introduced the CRJ700 regional jet in 1997 and the CRJ900 regional jet in 2000. These aircraft are now the backbones of many airline fleets worldwide,” says Bombardier Aerospace president and chief operating officer Pierre Beaudoin.
“Today, with the CRJ1000 aircraft, Bombardier continues to build on its ongoing commitment to product innovation. The CRJ1000 regional jet combines the proven platform, reliability and flexible cabin configurations of its predecessors with its closest competitor having up to 15% higher trip cash operating costs.”
With a maximum takeoff weight of 41,600kg (91,800lb), the CRJ1000 aircraft will offer a maximum range of 3,140km (1,690nm) with 100 passengers, under "certain operating conditions”, says Bombardier.
“Compared to older generation aircraft of similar passenger capacity currently in operation, the CRJ1000 will also respond to today’s environmental needs by providing substantially lower fuel consumption and achieving up to 30% reduced carbon dioxide engine emissions,” it adds.
|
|---|
 |
Source: FlightGlobal.com
