Bombardier to launch Boeing-Airbus rival in 2016

Bombardier will launch a new passenger aircraft next year, which could become a rival to Boeing and Airbus.

The Canadian planemaker has confirmed that it first ever CS300 aircraft will be delivered to airBaltic in the second half of 2016. The Latvia-based airline will become the first customer to operate the new aircraft when it receives the first of 13 CS300s next year.

Billed as a rival to the single-aisle Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, the CS300 will be able to carry up to 150 passengers, depending on the configuration.

It is also a fuel-efficient aircraft, burning 20% less fuel than similar existing aircraft and producing 50% fewer NOx emissions than industry standards. And according to Bombardier, recent tests confirm that it is the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. Like the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the CSeries is made using composite materials.

Bombardier is launching two versions of the CSeries; the smaller CS100, which can carry up to 110 passengers, and the larger 150-seat CS300.

“Bombardier’s CS300 airliners are integral to the execution of airBaltic’s business development strategy and fleet optimisation plan,” said Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic. “The CS300 aircraft has exceeded our expectations in terms of its noise and emissions footprint, aligned with airBaltic’s low environmental impact vision. Additionally, it will offer airBaltic passengers… [an] unparalleled in-flight passenger experience, perfectly complementing our modern fleet of 12 Bombardier Q400 turboprops.”

The development of the CSeries has been plagued with delays. In May 2014 a test aircraft suffered an engine failure which set the project back by several months. Bombardier also recently held talks with Airbus about the CSeries project, but failed to reach an agreement.

To-date, Bombardier has taken orders for 243 CSeries aircraft, including 190 CS300s and 53 CS100s. Other major customers include Korean Air, Lufthansa and Gulf Air.