Bombardier gets CSeries boost

Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft programme has received a welcome boost, following the placement of a major order for up to 50 jets.

Aircraft leasing company Macquarie AirFinance has signed a firm purchase agreement for 40 CS300 aircraft, with options for an additional 10. The total 50-jet deal would be worth more than US$3.5 billion at current list prices.

This deal takes the Bombardier’s total CSeries order book to 243 aircraft – 63 smaller CS100s and 180 larger CS300s.

“Macquarie AirFinance’s selection of the CS300 aircraft is a strong endorsement of the aircraft type,” said Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier’s commercial aircraft division. “We anticipate continued momentum in the CSeries aircraft programme as we confirm our performance predictions for the aircraft.”

The Canadian planemaker is developing the 110-seat CS100 and 150-seat CS300 aircraft, which were expected to compete with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 models. But slow orders and a test programme beset by technical problems have plagued the aircraft.

The CSeries is due to enter commercial service in second half of 2015, while Macquarie’s deliveries will run from 2017 to 2019.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com