12/05/2003

Bombardier deal secures remaining Shorts jobs

Bombardier Aerospace has secured a contract worth $7 billion for an order of up to 275 new aircraft.

The contract with US Airways means that the jobs of more than 3,000 employees at Bombardier's Shorts plant will be secured. However it is not thought the order will have an impact on the company's recent redundancy announcement.

At present 600 workers are likely to lose their jobs next month, with another 600 under threat.

Commenting on the deal, US Airways president and chief executive officer David Siegel said: “These new regional jets will enable US Airways to generate additional revenue by growing our route network and competing more vigorously in short to medium-length haul markets.

“Regional jets will allow us to replace and complement larger jet aircraft on routes with poor to marginal performance, which then can be re-deployed to operate in more profitable destinations.”

Steven Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Regional Aircraft, added: “Their decision to acquire both the Bombardier CRJ200 and CRJ700 is an endorsement of the proven economics and commonality benefits of the Bombardier CRJ family.

"It also underscores the opportunities for lower operating costs and increased profit with larger size Bombardier CRJ aircraft.”

US Airways is the seventh largest airline in the US serving nearly 200 communities in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.

The deal with Bombardier is for a mixture of 50 and 75 seat regional jets.

(MB)

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