China’s first private regional airline, China Express, based in Guiyang, has finalized a $264 million deal for six Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets. The value could rise to $491 million if the carrier, which will become the first to operate NextGen models in the country, exercises options for five more of the jets. Its current fleet consists of five Bombardier 50-seat CRJ200s.

“As the only aircraft manufacturer with three distinct and optimized families of aircraft in the 60- to 149-seat market segment, Bombardier is well positioned to support the growth of China’s air transport network,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.