Airline Becomes Sixth Customer For The CSeries Aircraft Program

An as-yet-unnamed "major network carrier" will be the first operator to take delivery of the first CSeries aircraft, according to an announcement Monday from Bombardier Aerospace. The carrier, which has requested to remain unidentified at the present time, has signed a firm order for 10 CS100 aircraft with options on an additional six. Based on the list price for the CS100 aircraft, the firm order is valued at $616 million, which could increase to $1.01 billion, should all six options be converted to firm orders.

“This firm order is the third one announced this month, and is testament to the growing appeal and momentum for CSeries aircraft,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Our customer is keenly aware of the competitive advantage that will come with being the very first operator of Bombardier’s all-new, technologically advanced CSeries aircraft.”

Bombardier estimates that the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage. They also project reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm. The standard configuration will be three-plus-two widebody-style seating in the single-aisle aircraft. It is designed for the 100- to 149-seat market.

The transaction announced Monday increases firm orders for the CSeries family of aircraft to 113, including 51 CS100 and 62 CS300 aircraft, and raises the number of CSeries aircraft customers to six. Other customers that have ordered CSeries aircraft include Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), and a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft). In addition, the CSeries aircraft program includes options for 109 aircraft.

FMI: www.bombardier.com