Montréal, Canada –A wholly owned affiliate of Macquarie AirFinance has signed a firm purchase agreement for 40 Bombardier Commercial Aircraft CS300 jetliners and has taken options on an additional 10 CS300 aircraft.
Macquarie AirFinance, which currently owns or manages 136 jet aircraft leased to 73 operators in 43 countries across six continents, will lease the CS300 aircraft to airline operators around the world. Delivery of the aircraft will be on a phased basis from 2017 to 2019.
“Macquarie AirFinance’s selection of the CS300 aircraft is a strong endorsement of the aircraft type and we are looking forward to working with this unique lessor to expand the market for our 100%-new jetliner,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We anticipate continued momentum in the CSeries aircraft program as we confirm our performance predictions for the aircraft.”
“With its outstanding performance, transcontinental range, operating cost advantage, widebody comfort and cabin flexibility, the CS300 aircraft is tailor-made to meet the fleet replacement requirements of airlines and other operators around the world,” said Ray Jones, senior vice president, sales and asset management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
“We welcome the addition of Bombardier’s CS300 to Macquarie AirFinance’s portfolio. This agreement is consistent with Macquarie AirFinance’s approach of seeking carefully considered transactions to expand the reach of our successful aircraft leasing business,” said Stephen Cook, chairman of Macquarie AirFinance. “The CS300 will allow us to offer our customers the only type of aircraft optimized for the upper end of the 100- to 150-seat market segment. Its advanced technologies, attractive economics, and environmental attributes were key factors in our selection of the CS300 jetliner.”
Pratt & Whitney will provide exclusive power for the Bombardier CSeries aircraft ordered by Macquarie AirFinance with its PurePower Geared Turbofan engine.
"We are pleased that Macquarie AirFinance will be able to offer its customers the new CSeries aircraft powered by PurePower engines. This innovative and cost-effective aircraft will be a strong addition to Macquarie's portfolio and aircraft leasing business," added Macquarie AirFinance's Cook.
"Macquarie customers will benefit tremendously from the suite of technologies used in the PurePower engine, which delivers savings in fuel consumption and reduced engine noise," said Dave Brantner, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. "These new aircraft combine cutting-edge technology and advanced materials to meet and exceed commercial airline requirements."
The PurePower Geared Turbofan engine family has more than 6,000 orders and commitments, including options, from more than 60 global customers.
Including Macquarie’s order, Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 563 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 243 CSeries airliners. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp.
Sources: Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney