Russian leasing company signs deal to buy up to 42 Bombardier CSeries planes

MONTREAL — A Russian leasing company has agreed to purchase up to 42 Bombardier CSeries aircraft in a potential $3.42-billion deal, the aircraft manufacturer announced Wednesday, shortly after it disclosed Transport Canada has certified the plane’s Pratt & Whitney engine.

Ilyushin Finance Co. seeks to acquire 32 of the larger CS300 planes at a list price of about US$2.56 billion, and has options for 10 additional planes, making it one of the largest CSeries orders to date.

The transaction signed Wednesday at Bombardier’s final assembly facility in Mirabel follows a letter of intent signed in 2011 for 30 CSeries planes. The agreement is subject to approval by Ilyushin’s shareholders.

The company’s director general said the aircraft leasing world is rapidly changing as airlines seek to replace older, less efficient planes because of high fuel costs and 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,” Alexander Rubtsov said in a news release…

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