Government of Croatia Adds Two Bombardier 415 Amphibious Aircraft to its Fleet

Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced that the Government of Croatia has placed a firm order for another two Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft. With this order, the Croatian government is increasing its fleet to six Bombardier 415 aircraft.

The contract is valued at approximately $62 million US, and includes spare parts, pilot training and multi-purpose equipment that will allow this aircraft to perform medical evacuations and emergency relief.

"This sale to the Croatian government, further demonstrates the trust our customers have in the Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft and its ability to meet their emergency needs. The Bombardier 415 is - by its special design concept - an efficient and highly productive firefighting aircraft and is the reference in the industry. And, with the addition of our multi-purpose equipment, it has the flexibility to be used for more purposes than fighting fires," said Michel Bourgeois, President, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft.

"During the summer of 2007, many countries in southern Europe were ravaged by devastating fires. During this tragic, and seemingly increasing common occurrence, our Bombardier 415 aircraft played a pivotal role in limiting the damage and helping neighboring countries to contain and suppress the fires," added Mr. Bourgeois. "With this purchase, Croatia is establishing itself as a true emergency resource center in the region."

Since delivery of the first Bombardier 415 aircraft in 1994, Bombardier Aerospace has delivered 65 Bombardier 415 aircraft to firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Ontario, Quebec and Spain, with 41 aircraft in operation in the Mediterranean region. In addition, 25 CL-215 piston aircraft remain in service fighting fires in Europe.

The Bombardier 415 aircraft has a maximum speed of 224 mph (359 km/h). In an average mission of six nautical miles (11 kilometres) distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour and deliver 14,589 U.S. gallons (55,233 litres) of fire suppressant.

The aircraft is also being offered in a multi-purpose version, the Bombardier 415MP, which can be used in a variety of specialized missions such as search and rescue, environmental protection, coastal patrol and transportation.. Currently, a Greek Bombardier 415 aircraft is equipped with the MP configuration.