Bombardier sells 20 more CRJ700 jets to SkyWest Airlines for US$637M

TORONTO (CP) - Bombardier Aerospace says SkyWest Airlines of Utah has ordered 20 more CRJ700 regional jets in a deal worth $637 million US.

The order increases SkyWest's CRJ700 fleet to 52 aircraft. Bombardier (TSX:BBD.MV.A, TSX:BBD.SV.B) said Monday. CJR700s carry 64 to 75 passengers.

SkyWest's CRJ700 aircraft, of which 23 were in service as of Feb. 28, all fly under the United Express banner for United Airlines from bases in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

SkyWest also operates 125 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets. When all firm orders have been delivered, SkyWest will be operating a total of 177 Bombardier aircraft.
"The CRJ700 aircraft's low operating costs really shine in today's challenging airline market environment and this order is another testament to the fact that we've got the economics right," Steven Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Regional Aircraft, said in a release.

He said the operating cost of the CRJ700 airliner is 10 per cent lower than its closest competitor.

Source: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/index.jsp