TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/20/13 -- Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Moscow-based, national leasing company, Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC), has signed a purchase agreement to acquire 32 CS300 aircraft and options for an additional 10 CS300 aircraft. The transaction, which follows a letter of intent signed by IFC in 2011, is subject to approval by the company's shareholders. A signing ceremony to commemorate the agreement was held today during a visit by IFC and Russian dignitaries to Bombardier's final assembly facility for the CSeries aircraft in Mirabel, Quebec.

Based on the list price for the CS300 aircraft, a firm order from IFC for 32 aircraft would be valued at approximately $2.56 billion US. Should IFC also exercise its 10 options, the contract would have a total value of approximately $3.42 billion US.

"The aircraft leasing world is changing rapidly," said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. "As older, less efficient designs present ongoing challenges to airlines - given high fuel costs and heightened environmental concerns - the CSeries aircraft offers transcontinental range, superior field and runway performance, and a superb cabin that will bring air transport into the 21st century."

Mr. Rubtsov also noted that the order for the game-changing, technologically advanced CSeries jetliners is its first large, non-Russian aircraft order, adding that the CSeries aircraft, with its capacity and performance, is ideally placed between the Russian Superjet and the MC-21 aircraft, which IFC has committed to purchase.

"This is a landmark opportunity for Bombardier Aerospace and its CSeries aircraft," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The CSeries aircraft was tailor-made for operation in this vast region and has the potential to offer a step-change in air travel in Russia and throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States."

Currently, 95 CRJ regional jets and Dash 8/Q-Series aircraft are in service or on order in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In addition, Bombardier is also exploring opportunities for its Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft in Russia.

CSeries aircraft

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15(i) per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20(i) per cent fuel burn advantage. The CSeries aircraft's clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km)(i). The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs. (5,443 kg)(i) lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

As of December 31, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 382 CSeries aircraft that include firm orders for 148 CSeries airliners.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

Images of CS300 aircraft in IFC's livery are posted with this press release at: www.bombardier.com.

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(i) The CSeries aircraft are in the development phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to changes in family strategy, branding, capacity and performance during the development, manufacture and certification process. All performance references have been estimated based on a 500-nm North American operating environment and comparisons are to in-production aircraft.

Bombardier, CRJ, CS300, CSeries, Dash 8, NextGen, Q-Series, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.