GE Aviation

--LYNN, Massachusetts - Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc. (ASA) has announced its intention to place a firm order for 30 twin-engine Canadair Regional Jet aircraft and options for an additional 60, all powered by GE CF34 turbofan engines, in the largest single Canadair Jet transaction to date.

The value of the associated firm aircraft engine order is approximately $120 million.

ASA, a Delta Connection carrier headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, intends to operate its Canadair Jet fleet in new market areas and to replace some turboprops on existing routes from its Atlanta and Dallas, Texas, hubs.

The CF34 engine is the sole powerplant for the Canadair Jet, which currently is in service with 14 operators in eight countries throughout the world.

"We welcome ASA as an important and valued new customer and look forward to a long, positive relationship with them," said Lloyd Thompson, general manager of the Small Commercial Turbofan Department of GE Aircraft Engines. "We are confident that the coming years will confirm the wisdom of their choice of an outstanding aircraft powered by an engine that sets the standard within the industry for performance and reliability."

Delivery of the aircraft is to begin in August and continue at the rate of one per month.