TORONTO - Germany's Lufthansa, a steady customer for Bombardier Aerospace (BBD.A, BBD.B) aircraft, has placed a firm order for 15 more regional jets worth $476 million, with an option for an additional 30.

Deliveries of the 50-seat CRJ200 aircraft will begin in October and run through the spring of 20003, Bombardier said Monday. The aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa affiliate, Eurowings. Lufthansa is a 24.9 per cent shareholder in the Dortmund-based airline.

Eurowings will begin CRJ service early next month with a fleet of five leased planes, to be taken off lease when the purchased aircraft arrive.

Lufthansa affiliate Lufthansa CityLine was the worldwide launch customer for Bombardier's CRJ when it began scheduled service with the aircraft type in late 1992.

Lufthansa CityLine now has 65 CRJ aircraft in service or on order, including 45 of the 50-passenger models and 20 of its 70-seaters. In addition, Lufthansa affiliate Augsburg Airways operates a mixed fleet of 37-, 50- and 70-seat Bombardier Q Series turboprop airliners.

Bombardier said it has delivered of 500 CRJs, has 560 on firm order and 1,090 options.