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Bombardier signs major order for C Series planes; Qatar Airways defers purchase decision

Published: 21:34 20 Jun 2011 BST

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Montreal-based Bombardier (TSE:BBD.B) reported today that a “major carrier” has signed a firm order for 10 CS100 aircrafts with options for an additional six, as the company grapples with Qatar Airways' decision to defer from purchasing the same line of planes.

The carrier that signed the order has requested to remain unidentified as it becomes the sixth customer for the CSeries aircraft, designed for the growing 100 to 149 seat market. It has placed an order for 10 Bombardier C series passenger jets with an option to buy another six, the company said.

The undisclosed buyer will be the first to fly the plane commercially.

The order is valued at US$616 million, which could increase to US$1.01 billion, should all six options be converted to firm orders, the plane maker said at the Paris Plane show.

"We are delighted to add yet another major network carrier to our customers for the CSeries aircraft, and to announce this customer will be the first operator in the CSeries aircraft program,” said president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, Gary R. Scott.

"This firm order is the third one announced this month, and is testament to the growing appeal and momentum for CSeries aircraft," added Scott.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s CEO Akbar Al Baker said it has deferred its decision to purchase the C Series planes as the company needs more time to consider. Baker said he hoped to make a decision on the C Series jet "in the not too distant future", according to reports.

The C Series aircraft promises to be about 15% less expensive to operate, will use 20% less fuel, and be less noisy with lower emissions, the transportation company said. Bombardier plans to begin delivery of the C-series in 2013.

Today’s transaction pushes total firm orders for the C Series family aircraft to 113, including 51 CS100 and 62 CS300 Series aircraft, with options for 109.

Other customers who ordered the CSeries include Republic Airways, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lease Corporation International Group, and Braathens Aviation, among others.

Bombardier’s shares were down six cents, or 0.86%, to trade at $6.92 as of 3:52 p.m. EST.

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