Comair to Buy 50 Jets From Bombardier

Comair Holdings Inc., a feeder airline for Delta Air Lines Inc., agreed to buy 50 jets from Canada’s Bombardier Inc. in a 10-year contract valued at more than $1 billion. The new jets would be used to replace turboprops and add flights on existing and new routes for the regional carrier. The order includes options for 115 more aircraft, which, if exercised, would more than double Comair’s fleet to 245 jets from 93 planes. Many local carriers are switching to regional jets because they fly three to four times farther than turboprops and passengers prefer the smoother ride. Comair, which is 20% owned by Atlanta-based Delta, operates 5,000 flights a day in the East and Midwest with hubs in Orlando, Fla., and Cincinnati, where it is based. Comair, which pioneered flying the regional jet in 1993, said it intends to be the first U.S. regional airline to operate an all-jet fleet by 2001. Comair shares fell $2.19 to close at $26.56 on Nasdaq.