UAE’s Falcon Aviation Signs $153m Bombardier Jet Deal

Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services has signed a purchase agreement for two CS300 jetliners with Canada’s Bombardier Aerospace.

Based on the list price of the CS300 aircraft, the contract is valued at $153 million, the Canadian plane maker said in a statement.

The transaction is a conversion of the letter of intent to acquire one CS300 aircraft and another option announced in February, 2014, making Falcon Aviation the first UAE company to buy a CSeries aircraft.

Bombardier had also inked a $2 billion deal with Saudi Gulf Airlines for 16 CSeries jets in January with options for ten more.

The CSeries is a narrow-body jetliner that was launched in competition with the smaller planes of aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus.

“We selected the CSeries aircraft because of its outstanding passenger amenities and superior performance – particularly its excellent range and hot-and-high capability,” said Captain Mahmoud Ismael, chief operating officer, Falcon Aviation Services.

“Our CS300 aircraft will feature a unique configuration to specifically cater to business, corporate and elite travelers in the Middle East and connecting to North Africa, Europe and the Far East.”

Falcon Aviation Services is based at Al Bateen Executive Airport and operates a fleet of corporate jets conducting VIP charter flights, as well as a fleet of helicopters serving the offshore oil and gas industry.

The company also conducts search and rescue, aircraft management, maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as consulting operations.

Falcon Aviation recently ordered two Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft for its fleet.

As of today, Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 471 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 203 CSeries airliners.

“As the only 100 per cent new aircraft specifically designed for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market, the CSeries airliners are benefitting from a clean-sheet design that includes leading-edge technology and systems integration, advanced materials and latest-generation aerodynamics,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.