Bombardier Aerospace Restarts CL-215T Conversion Kits Program

Business Wire, Feb 14, 2006

MONTREAL -- Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it is restarting its CL-215T conversion kits program. Nine orders for the turbine conversion kits to be installed on CL-215 amphibious aircraft were placed by the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, AeroFlite - a private U.S. operator, and Buffalo Airways Ltd of the Northwest Territories, Canada.

The total value of the nine orders is approximately $85 million US.

The turbine conversion kits include the proven PW123AF Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines, which will enhance the CL-215 aircraft's reliability and efficiency.

The converted aircraft will also feature improvements such as the modernization of structural components, electrical distribution system & engine fuel system, in addition to the replacement of manual flight controls by powered systems to benefit from added engine power and reduced pilot workload. Once modified, the aircraft will perform similarly to the renowned Bombardier 415 firefighting aircraft.

"This is not a new venture," said Michel Bourgeois President, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft. "Seventeen CL-215 were converted in the late 1980s, two with the province of Quebec and 15 in Spain, and they have since flown over 70,000 hours and performed more than 170,000 drops. Offering solutions such as conversion kits demonstrates our long-term commitment towards supporting the operators of Bombardier's amphibious aircraft."

The Bombardier 215T has a maximum cruise speed of 352 km/h (218 mph) and in an average mission of 11 kilometres (six nautical miles) distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour, delivering 47,527 litres (12,535 U.S. gallons) of fire suppressant.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier, CL-215 and 415 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

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