Bombardier Signs Letter Of Intent For Up To 80 CRJ Aircraft With Mesa Air Group.

Business Editors

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2001

Mesa Becomes North American Launch Customer for CRJ900

Bombardier Aerospace (TSE:BBD.A.)(TSE:BBD.B.) today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group for up to 80 Bombardier CRJ regional jet aircraft.

The anticipated deal calls for the U.S. regional carrier to purchase 20 70-seat CRJ700 and 20 86-seat CRJ900 aircraft plus 40 options. The firm aircraft portion of the transaction would be worth approximately U.S.$1.2 billion (Cdn.$1.9 billion). Deliveries of the firm aircraft would begin in the first quarter of 2002 for the 70-seat models and the first quarter of 2003 for the 86-seat CRJs. A definitive agreement confirming the order is expected to be signed shortly.

"We are delighted to become the North American launch customer for the CRJ900 aircraft," said Jonathan Ornstein, chairman and chief executive officer of Mesa Air Group. "We believe that the new aircraft will precisely match the blended operating, financial and performance needs of both America West and Mesa. This reaffirms our commitment to Bombardier and its family of regional aircraft," he said.

Mesa intends to operate the aircraft on behalf of America West Airlines under a recently concluded long-term code sharing agreement.

"Mesa's successful experience with the 50-seat CRJ has, we believe, paved the way for this break-through agreement and further solidified Bombardier's leadership in the regional jet market in the 50-, 70- and 90-seat categories," said Michael Graff, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace.

"Mesa's selection of both the CRJ700 and CRJ900, complementing its fleet of 50-seat CRJ aircraft, underscores the value of a family of aircraft and the inherent economic benefits of commonality," said Steven Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. "We are very proud that Mesa will be the first operator of both of our newest regional jet models in North America," he said.

Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is the leading business, regional and amphibious aircraft manufacturer. With full design and production capabilities in three countries, it offers the most comprehensive families of turboprop and regional jet aircraft and the widest range of business jets. It also provides the Flexjet fractional business aircraft ownership program, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.

Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company, is a world leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It is also a provider of financial services and asset management. The Corporation employs 58,000 people in 12 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, and more than 90% of its revenues are generated outside Canada. Bombardier's revenues for its fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2001 totalled $16.1 billion.

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