TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 20, 2012) -

• Latvian airline transitions to an all-Bombardier fleet with the addition of CS300 jetliners to its existing fleet of Q400 NextGen aircraft
• A video is available at http://youtu.be/KNh-L8ZKAEM

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that airBaltic has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 10 all-new Bombardier CS300 airliners. The Riga, Latvia-based airline also has purchase rights on a further 10 CS300 aircraft. The purchase agreement represents the conversion to firm orders of a Letter of Intent (LOI), announced at the Farnborough Air Show on July 10, 2012. The LOI also included the purchase rights on the 10 additional CS300 aircraft.

Based on the list price of the CS300 airliner, the firm-order contract is valued at approximately $764 million US and could increase to $1.57 billion US should the 10 purchase rights be converted to firm orders.

"A modern and efficient fleet is one of the fundamentals of the airline business, and this order is a progressive and exciting move forward for us. Following an in-depth analysis of existing and re-engined aircraft, as well as the new technologies offered by Bombardier's all-new CSeries aircraft, the results were clear and we selected the CSeries airliner," said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. "Earlier this year we launched our "ReShape" business plan that calls for the replacement of older aircraft and the transition to "greener flying" with an exclusive all-Bombardier fleet that will eventually involve taking on more Q400 NextGen aircraft together with the new CSeries aircraft. The C300 airliner and the Q400 NextGen turboprop - each being the most efficient aircraft in its class − will optimize airBaltic's network and fit perfectly in our "ReShape" business plan due to their performance, economics, environmental benefits and passenger comfort."

"Recognized as one of the world's most innovative airlines, airBaltic demonstrates the growing demand and need for unmatched technologies, operational flexibility and efficiencies," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "We are delighted that airBaltic is complementing its fleet of eight Q400 NextGen turboprops with the CSeries aircraft to implement its new initiatives and integrate new levels of passenger comfort and greener flying."

CSeries aircraft

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20* per cent fuel burn advantage. The CSeries aircraft's clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km)*. The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs. (5,443 kg)* lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

As of September 30, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 352 CSeries aircraft that include firm orders for 138 CSeries airliners.

The 14 customers that have joined the CSeries aircraft program - ten with firm orders - include major network carriers, national and premier carriers, low-cost airlines, leasing companies and a full service provider to airline partners.

About airBaltic

airBaltic serves 60 destinations with direct flights from its home base in Riga, Latvia and offers convenient connections via Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

Images of CS300 aircraft in airBaltic's livery are posted with this press releases at: www.bombardier.com. A video is available at http://youtu.be/KNh-L8ZKAEM.

Additional information on CSeries aircraft is available at: www.cseries.com.

Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace.

* The CSeries aircraft are in the design phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to change in family strategy, branding, capacity and performance during the design, manufacture and certification process. Performance has been estimated based on a 500-nm North American operating environment.

Bombardier, CS300, CSeries, NextGen, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.