[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Singapore Airshow - Bombardier concluded its participation in Asia's biggest airshow - the Singapore Airshow - with firm orders and commitments for up to 17 aircraft valued at up to $852 million US. In addition, the company further strengthened its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by inaugurating its first wholly owned service centre for business aircraft and opening a Regional Support Office for commercial aircraft.

The Asia-Pacific market has once again demonstrated its dynamism, with a high level of interest in Bombardier‘s aircraft portfolio recorded at the air show. The Challenger 605 and Global 6000 aircraft on display attracted many visitors, highlighting the region’s increasing appetite for world-class aircraft that meet the needs of a discerning business clientele. Guests were able to view Bombardier‘s superior Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner, which was on static display, as well as the full-scale passenger cabin and cockpit demonstrators of the company’s CSeries aircraft.

Starting on February 9, Bombardier announced that an existing customer, which asked to remain unidentified, placed a firm order for an additional three CS300 aircraft, bringing the program's firm order tally to 201. This was followed by announcements of a firm purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft by Falcon Aviation Services, based at Al Bateen Executive Airport, and the signature of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase up to 12 Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft by a Middle East and Africa-based undisclosed customer.

Bombardier also welcomed Dhaka-based US-Bangla Airlines Ltd. and Lilongwe-based Malawian Airlines to its family of Q400 aircraft operators, as well as lessor Falko Regional Aircraft Limited to the CRJ900 aircraft family, following Falko's addition of a CRJ900 regional jet to its portfolio.

Speaking to reporters at a very well attended press briefing, Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air's chief executive Patee Sarasin spoke highly of the extra capacity seating Q400 NextGen turboprop - for which his airline is the launch customer - referencing higher productivity, cost effectiveness and speed as reasons for selecting the aircraft that can accommodate up to 86 passengers in this version.

During the show, Bombardier‘s Customer Services team reaffirmed its commitment to the region starting with the signing of a LOI with FlightSafety International and Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation to establish Q400 NextGen aircraft pilot training in Jiangsu, one of China’s most affluent and fast-growing provinces. The team also announced a new Regional Support Office for commercial aircraft in Singapore. The office will be the fifth location supporting commercial operators in the Asia-Pacific region.

Another key after-market support milestone was the inauguration of a brand-new, wholly owned facility dedicated to the maintenance of Bombardier business aircraft. More than a hundred distinguished guests, including customers, government officials and members of the aerospace community attended the event. Bombardier was honored to have Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and for Trade and Industry and Ms. Heather Grant, Canadian High Commissioner to Singapore participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque dedication.