Toronto, Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Tripoli-based Libyan African Aviation Holding Company has signed an order for three CRJ900 NextGen aircraft and has also taken options on an additional three CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.

The aircraft will be operated by Libyan Airlines, a subsidiary company of Libyan African Aviation Holding Company.

Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the contract is valued at approximately $131.5 million US, which could increase to $267.8 million US should all three options be converted to firm orders.

Libyan Airlines currently operates three CRJ900 and two CRJ900 NextGen aircraft in a two-class configuration with seven business class and 68 economy seats. The airline’s previous orders for CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft were announced on June 14, 2007 and January 3, 2008 respectively.

Captain Sabri Shadi, Chairman, Libyan African Aviation Holding Company, said: “This acquisition of modern, state-of-the-art CRJ900 NextGen aircraft is a part of the continuing fleet renewal program for Libyan Airlines.

“The CRJ900 NextGen aircraft will provide lower operating costs, increased passenger comfort and reduced environmental impact compared to Libyan Airlines’ older jet aircraft.”

Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, added: “Libyan Airlines continues to grow its fleet of CRJ900 NextGen airliners to satisfy the needs of its customers and the region.

“This third order for Libyan Airlines’ fleet confirms that the CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft are meeting its expectations and business requirements.”

Including the order from Libyan African Aviation Holding Company announced today, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 1,706 CRJ Series aircraft, including 259 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.

As of July 31, 2010, 1,597 CRJ Series aircraft, including 234 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, had been delivered to customers around the world. CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and have logged more than 28 million flight hours and over 23 million take-off and landing cycles. In addition, corporate variants of CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 30 operators.