First CRJ900 Previewed in Phoenix	February 2003

On January 31, 2003, Bombardier Aerospace held a very special delivery ceremony in Mirabel, Quebec. The first-in-its-class 90-seat regional jet, and much-anticipated CRJ900, was proudly handed over to Mesa Air Group of Phoenix, AZ.

The ceremony was an especially happy one, as Mesa also operates the 50-seat CRJ200 and the 70-seat CRJ700. The CRJ900 now completes the family and gives Mesa the distinction of being the first airline to operate all three variants of Bombardier's industry-leading regional jets. This truly is the first family of regional jets!

There are currently 32 CRJ200s and 7 CRJ700s from an order of 15 in the Mesa fleet, with firm orders for 25 CRJ900 Series. Jonathan Ornstein, chairman and CEO of Mesa Air Group, remarked, "The CRJ900 is the next step in our regional jet growth strategy with its very low operating cost per seat and the resulting improvement in financial performance."

Less than 2 weeks later, on February 11, 2003, Mesa Air Group showcased their CRJ900 to local Phoenix media and attendees. Jonathan Ornstein was presented with a symbolic "key" to the aircraft by John Giraudy, President of Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft, during a brief ceremony at Sky Harbor Airport. "We are delighted by the success of the CRJ200 and CRJ700 in the Mesa Air Group fleet and we are fully confident that the CRJ900 will continue that success story," said John Giraudy."The additional economic benefits stemming from fleet commonality and same type rating with both the CRJ200 and CRJ700 will offer substantial cost savings for airlines such as Mesa Air Group."

The first CRJ900 passenger flight is scheduled for April 27, 2003 between Phoenix and Los Angeles, and will be flown under the America West Express banner. "The CRJ700 has already received great responses from our customers so we fully expect that the CRJ900 with its additional seats and very low cost per available seat mile ("CASM") will further improve our reputation for excellent passenger service while maintaining financial performance," said Jonathan Ornstein.

Bombardier is very proud of its newest family member, the CRJ900, and proud to have Mesa Air Group as its launch customer. Congratulations all, and here's to many more new additions!