On Dec. 9 Bombardier Aerospace [Toronto: BBDb] will deliver its 1,000^th Canadair regional jet (CRJ), a milestone in regional aircraft production that no other manufacturer has achieved. Bombardier delivered its first CRJ 11 years ago, in October 1992.

The 1,000^th jet will be delivered to Delta Connection's Comair, and Bombardier plans a celebratory dinner in Montr�al, followed by a "handover" ceremony in Dorval, Qu�bec.

Laurent Beaudoin, executive chairman of the board of Bombardier, and Pierre Beaudoin, Bombardier's president and chief operating officer, will represent the company. Delta Connection CEO Fred Buttrell and Comair President Randy Rademacher will represent the carrier.

Launched in March 1989, the CRJ was the first 50-seat jet. Rollout took place on May 6, 1991, followed by the first flight four days later. Transport Canada certification was awarded on July 31, 1992, followed on Jan. 15, 1993, by the European Joint Aviation Authorities. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration granted approval on Jan. 21, 1993.

The first Bombardier CRJ-100 entered revenue service with launch customer Lufthansa [OTC: DLAKY] CityLine in November 1992. In 1996, the Bombardier CRJ-200 was launched with higher performance engines.

Although some questioned the concept originally, the Bombardier CRJ program is recognized now as one of the most successful aircraft programs ever. Some analysts have said that the Bombardier CRJ has created new markets where none existed before.

Bombardier's only legitimate competition in the regional jet arena comes from Brazil's Embraer [NYSE: ERJ].

>>Contact: Bert Cruickshank, Bombardier, 416-375-3030.<<