Northwest Airlines has placed an order for 36 of Bombardier Inc.‘s Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft and has taken options on an additional 96, for a total of 132 aircraft if all options are exercised. The transaction is conditional upon Northwest Airlines receiving approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York.

The value of the orders based on CRJ900 aircraft list price would be approximately $1.35-billion (U.S.). The value could rise to $5.18-billion (U.S.) if all options are exercised.

The aircraft will be offered in a dual-class configuration with 12 first-class and 64 economy-class seats within a spacious cabin. Concurrent with the purchase of these CRJ900 aircraft, Northwest has agreed to continue to operate all 141 CRJ200/CRJ440 aircraft as part of the Northwest Airlink operation.

“Today’s order builds on an established relationship with Bombardier and will provide our customers with a comfortable and efficient flight experience,” said Doug Steenland, Northwest president and chief executive. “The new aircraft will lower our operating costs through a combination of significantly lower fuel consumption along with inherent maintenance cost advantages.”

“Major airlines are shifting short- and medium-haul flying to larger and more fuel-efficient state-of-the-art aircraft. The CRJ900 aircraft fills this requirement perfectly,” said Steven Ridolfi, president, Bombardier regional aircraft.

Northwest is the 10th customer for the CRJ900 aircraft since the aircraft was introduced into revenue service in 2003. The CRJ900 aircraft has established itself as having the lowest operating costs of any jet in the 90-seat class. It is also very popular with passengers due to its comfortable seating with increased legroom, modern amenities and additional baggage storage capacity.

As of July 31, 2006, firm orders for the Bombardier CRJ900 airliner stood at 102 aircraft, with 59 delivered. Orders for the CRJ family of regional jets numbered 1,449, making it the fifth best-selling commercial jetliner family in aviation history.
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