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airBaltic and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft have announced that the parties have executed a firm purchase agreement for the sale and purchase of 30 Bombardier CS300 aircraft.
The deal also includes options for an additional 30 aircraft of the same type.
This order complements the existing order of 20 CS300 aircraft and forms the backbone of the new airBaltic’s business plan Destination 2025 that builds on the successful progress of the current airline’s business plan Horizon 2021, which has laid the groundwork for future expansion.
“As an early adopter of the C Series, we took a forward-looking decision on advanced technology to support our turnaround plan leading to sustainable profitability, and today we are benefiting from the most fuel-efficient small single-aircraft.
“With demonstrated fuel savings of more than 22 per cent the aircraft plays vital role in maintaining our operating cost at a low level.
“In 2017, we experienced outstanding growth and showed the world the unique capabilities and comfort of this innovative aircraft.
“We successfully executed our fleet modernisation strategy, and are excited to further grow our fleet up to 80 CS300 aircraft while phasing out our other aircraft types in the next three years,” said Martin Gauss, chief executive of airBaltic.
The new business plan Destination 2025 relies on expansion of routes from all three Baltic countries – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, covering essentially the main European cities.
The strategy also foresees that airBaltic will achieve a significant increase in passenger numbers and its revenue by 2025.
The most successful airlines in Europe operate uniform fleet of larger scale, supported by cost efficient operations. airBaltic thus will have all ingredients to enable stable future of the company.
Deliveries pertaining to this new order are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Prior to this order, airBaltic had ordered 20 CS300 aircraft.
Currently the airline is operating revenue service with eight CS300 aircraft and is expected to take delivery of 12 more by 2019.
Based on the list price of the CS300 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$ 2.9 billion.
This amount would increase to nearly US$5.9 billion should all 30 purchase rights be exercised.
“As the C Series aircraft program continues to gain market acceptance, this significant reorder from our CS300 launch operator is a strong testimony to the aircraft’s exceptional in-service performance,” said Fred Cromer, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
“Furthermore, we are proud that the CS300 has helped airBaltic maintain its position as one of the world’s most punctual airlines.
“The C Series aircraft is at the forefront in the small single-aisle market, and airBaltic played a key role in demonstrating its value.
“In the last 18 months, we have witnessed airBaltic’s growing leadership in the market, and we wish the airline further success with its expanded CS300 fleet.”
Source: breakingtravelnews.com