Bombardier announced the launch of its CRJ1000 regional jet, designed to meet the needs of growing regional airlines. The company said the CRJ1000 development focuses on low operating costs and cabin comfort. Compared to older generation aircraft of similar passenger capacity currently in operation, the CRJ1000 provides substantially lower fuel consumption and will achieve up to 30 percent reduced carbon dioxide engine emissions. The CRJ1000 program has 38 firm orders, 15 of which are CRJ900 conversions, and 23 conditional orders and options. First flight of the CRJ 1000 is scheduled for the summer of 2008; in-service operation is slated for the fourth quarter of 2009. "The CRJ1000 regional jet combines the proven platform, reliability and flexible cabin configurations of its predecessors with its closest competitor having up to 15 percent higher trip cash operating costs," said Pierre Beaudoin, president and CEO, Bombardier Aerospace.