Garuda Indonesia has become the Asian launch customer for 18 Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft valued at a list price of $1.32 billion. The deal is a major boost for the Canadian airframer, which had been struggling to keep production of the 100-seater viable.

The carrier will receive five aircraft this year, a mix of direct buys and leased, with all 18 to be delivered by 2015, CEO Emirsyah Satar said. The aircraft will be in a two-class configuration.

Following the deal, Bombardier has designated GMF Aero Asia as its authorized service center for CRJ 1000s in Asia.

The first five CRJ1000s will be based at Makassar, Garuda’s third hub to the East, in tandem with the Indonesian government’s “Six National Economic Development Corridor Concept,” which aims to promote the region as a production and manufacturing center.

Bombardier recently opened an Asia Pacific office in Singapore “because Asia Pacific represents key markets and growing hubs for countries like Indonesia,” said Guy Hachey, President and COO Bombardier Aerospace.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of airlines in high-frequency regional markets, the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft is now proving that it is a sound investment for its operators. The CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft is achieving the lowest cash operating cost per mile and per seat for operators in its market segment, while delivering extra range, exceptional reliability and a greener footprint, said a company statement.