MONTREAL — Bombardier Aerospace said Monday it has received another follow-on order from Uruguay carrier Pluna for three CRJ900 NextGen regional jets, helping the manufacturer’s efforts to avoid layoffs.
“Our teams are working very hard on getting more orders and we will evaluate the situation (of production rate decreases) at the appropriate time,” spokesman John Arnone said Monday in an email.
The world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, after Boeing and Airbus, said last month that it may have to trim production of regional planes, particularly the Toronto-assembled Q400 turboprop, if it doesn’t win new orders.
Pluna’s fleet consists of 10 of the CRJ900 jets. Seven 88-seat aircraft were ordered in 2007 and an option for three more aircraft was exercised last year. Bombardier said the latest order is valued at about US$129 million based on current list prices. However, the contract is less expensive since it was based on prices four years ago. Pluna has two options remaining from the original order.
Founded in 1936, Pluna is Uruguay’s national carrier and serves destinations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. Pluna’s chief executive said the Bombardier planes have allowed the airline to increase flight frequency and expand to new markets.
“The aircraft offers a combination of low operating costs, exceptional passenger comfort and proven high reliability,” stated Matias Campiani.
Gary Scott, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said the Pluna order continues to expand the manufacturer’s presence in South America.
The Montreal-based division of Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B) has received firm orders for 265 CRJ900 aircraft and has delivered 244 of the planes as of Jan. 31.
Overall, more than 1,700 CRJ regional jets of various sizes have been ordered and 1,628 delivered since being introduced in 1992. The planes are in service with more than 60 airlines and have logged more than 26 million flight hours.
More than 30 customers also operate corporate versions of the CRJ aircraft.
Chorus Aviation (TSX:CHR.B) last year agreed to invest US$15 million for a one-third stake in Latin American Regional Aviation Holding Corp., which holds an indirect 75 per cent equity interest in Pluna.
Chorus, previously known as Jazz Air Income Fund, made the investment to broaden the Halifax company’s based beyond partner Air Canada (TSX:AC.B) and give it more international exposure.
On the Toronto Stock Exchange, Bombardier shares closed at C$6.96, up 16 cents, or 2.35 per cent in Monday trading.