Bombardier delays CSeries launch
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Bombardier has postponed the commercial launch of its new Cseries aircraft until 2015.
The Canadian planemaker had planned to delivery its first CSeries aircraft this year, but it has now confirmed that the first model, the CS100, will not enter service until the second half of 2015. The larger CS300 is expected to follow six months later.
The CSeries took to the skies for the first time in September 2013, after several delays. And Bombardier said that the flight test phase “will require more time than originally anticipated”. But company president, Mike Arcamone, said the overall design of the CSeries remains solid.
“We are taking the required time to ensure a flawless entry-into-service,” said Arcamone. “We are very pleased that no major design changes have been identified, this gives us confidence that we will meet our performance targets.”
The CSeries is a new fuel-efficient regional jet designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 series’ of narrow-body aircraft, as well as the Embraer E195 and COMAC C919. The CS100 will seat approximately 110 passengers in a single class, while the larger CS130 will hold up to 135 passengers. Bombardier has also designed 160-seat “extra capacity” version of the CS300.
Despite the delays, the CSeries remains popular with airlines, due to the projected fuel-savings it will offer. Made largely from composite materials, it will offer 20% less fuel burn than similar existing aircraft.
A total of 198 CSeries jets have so far been ordered by airlines including SWISS, Korean Air and Gulf Air.
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