MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Feb 7, 2003 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) --

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the Ministry of Defence of Croatia has signed a contract for the purchase of a fourth Bombardier 415* amphibious aircraft and has taken delivery of the aircraft. The contract also contains an option for an additional aircraft. The order brings the Croatian fleet to four Bombardier 415.

"We are very pleased that Croatia is continuing to modernize its fleet of Bombardier firefighting aircraft," said Michel Bourgeois, president, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft. "Croatian firefighters have to protect a mountainous coastline where it is difficult to access fires. In such an environment the Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft delivers outstanding results. This is a clear vote of confidence in Bombardier amphibious aircraft."

Since the first delivery in 1994, Bombardier Aerospace has sold 57 Bombardier 415 aircraft, which have been delivered to firefighting agencies in Italy, France, Greece, Quebec, Ontario and Croatia. There are over 70 Bombardier CL-215*, the predecessor to the Bombardier 415 and the world's first aircraft specifically developed to fight forest fires, still in operation worldwide.

The Bombardier 415 is the world's most advanced waterbomber. It has a maximum speed of 375 km/h (235 mph). In an average mission of 11 kilometres (six nautical miles) distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour, delivering 55,260 litres (14,600 U.S. gallons) of water or foam fire suppressant. It is also being offered in a new multi-purpose version (Bombardier 415MP) for search and rescue, maritime patrol and environmental protection with certification expected later this year. One Bombardier 415 aircraft is under a contract with the United States National Guard for a five-month evaluation program.

Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design, and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet(R) fractional ownership, aircraft charter and management, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.

Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 80,000 people in 24 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2002 stood at $21.6 billion Cdn. Bombardier trades on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).

(R) Registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Note to Editors:

Images of the Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft are available on our Web site photo gallery at: www.aero.bombardier.com/htmen/F14.jsp

Bombardier Aerospace
Stephane Leroy
Montreal: (514) 855-7820
or
Bombardier Aerospace
Sylvie Gauthier
Montreal: (514) 855-7983

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