Bombardier delivers first CRJ900 NextGen jet to RwandAir

MONTRÉAL – Bombardier Aerospace has delivered the first of two CRJ900 NextGen regional jets to the Kigali-based RwandAir.

Rwanda’s national carrier received the aircraft at a ceremony at Bombardier's Mirabel, Québec facility where the CRJ Series are manufactured. There is also an option for the purchase of two more planes in 2013.

The ceremony was attended by Rwanda's High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Edda Mukabagwiza, John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir, and Mike Arcamone, President of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

"We are very proud to introduce the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft to East Africa," said Mr. Mirenge.

"Our 50-seat CRJ200 aircraft has helped expand our markets to the point where larger capacity aircraft are required to meet passenger demand.”

RwandAir is one of the fastest growing airlines in Africa, and currently has a fleet of four Boeing 737 aircraft and one Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft.

The airline originally announced the order for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft back in March, 2012.

"We at Bombardier are very impressed by RwandAir's steady growth since it began operations in 2002. Today, it is a dynamic airline and the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft will offer it even more operational flexibility," added Mr. Arcamone.

Bombardier projects that commercial aircraft in the Middle East and Africa will continue to experience strong growth, suggesting deliveries of 970 aircraft in the 20- to 149-seat market in the next 20 years.

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