20101010
africanews

A Tripoli-based aircraft firm Libyan African Aviation Holding Company has ordered three regional jets worth $131.5 million from Bombardier Inc, a Canadian manufacturer of commercial aircraft.

The Montreal-based manufacturer said an additional order of three CRJ900 NextGen aircraft came from the Libyan firm, which would increase the total value of the deal to $267.8 million.

The Libyan firm said the jets will be operated by Libyan Airlines, which currently operates three CRJ900 and two CRJ900 NextGen aircraft that were ordered in 2007 and 2008 respectively in a two-class configuration with seven business class and 68 economy seats, Reuters said.

According to Captain Sabri Shadi, head of Libyan African Aviation Holding Co., the acquisition is part of the airline's continuing fleet renewal.

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

Libyan Airlines’ fleet also includes four Airbus A320s and two ATR42's, and it has 15 Airbus planes on order.