Bombardier (BBD) expects to sell 400 units over the next 20 years of its newly launched CRJ1000, including the 38 firm orders it announced with the launch of the aircraft along with conditional orders and options for more than 60 aircraft. The value of the orders is estimated to be over $2 billion if all options are confirmed.
The aircraft, scheduled for service entry in Q4 2009 and first flight in the summer of 2008, is initially destined for the European market since U.S. scope clauses preclude operation by regionals. However, as President Pierre Beaudoin indicated, he expects that to change since it did for the CRJ700 and 900. Bombardier will spend $300 million over the next three years in development costs for the aircraft which promises a 15 percent cost advantage over the Embraer (ERJ) 190, owing to the fact the aircraft’s mean take off weight will be 25,000 pounds lighter.
Boudoin said the new aircraft addresses customer concern and offers increased bin space, larger windows and a better comfort level. Cabin height is six-foot-two inches and one-class seat pitch will be 31 inches. In a two class configuration capacity will be abut 88 passengers with a 36-inch and 32-inch pitch. It offers 90 percent fleet commonality with the CRJ700/900. The engine remains the same, albeit with more thrust, although the range, at 1,691 nautical miles, will mirror the CRJ900. Bombardier will limit production of the aircraft to small lot sizes of one year each.
Bombardier has already booked orders from Brit Air with a firm order of eight, plus eight options and My Way, which is converting orders announced in September for 15 CRJ900s, although it is keeping four CRJ900s of the order. In addition, an undisclosed customer has place a 15-aircraft firm order with a conditional order for an additional 15. First flight is scheduled for the summer of 2008. With a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 91,800 pounds (41,632 kilograms), the CRJ1000 aircraft will offer a maximum range of 1,691 nautical miles (3,139 kilometres) with 100 passengers, under certain operating conditions. Compared to older generation aircraft of similar passenger capacity currently in operation, the CRJ1000 will respond to today's environmental needs by providing substantially lower fuel consumption and achieving up to 30 per cent reduced carbon dioxide engine emissions, said Bombardier.