Transport Canada has certified Bombardier’s CS100, clearing the way for the manufacturer to deliver the first aircraft to launch customer Swiss in the second quarter of 2016.
The CS100 concluded its flight test program in November 2015, some two years and two months after the aircraft program’s first flight on September 16 2013. During that time, Bombardier conducted more than 3,000 hours of flight testing.
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer described it as a historic moment for the Canada-based manufacturer.
“Bringing to market the only new family of aircraft developed for the 100- to 150- seat market segment in close to 30 years is a standout accomplishment,” Cromer said in a statement on Monday (Canadian time).
“The C Series aircraft is now well on its way to opening up new opportunities for operators, while delivering unrivalled economic advantages, performance, and environmental credentials. It’s the new reality for the single-aisle market.”
The C Series is a clean-sheet family of single-aisle aircraft pitched at the 100- to 149-seat market.
The CS100 was designed to carry 110 passengers in a two-class configuration, while the larger CS300 has capacity for 135 passengers in a business and economy layout and was a direct competitor to the Airbus A319neo and Boeing 737 MAX 7.
Bombardier said it had 603 booked orders and commitments for the CSeries, including 243 firm orders.
Swiss has ordered 20 CS100 and 10 CS300s.
“Today we salute everyone that has dedicated years of service and commitment to developing the C Series aircraft and I wish to personally thank all our customers, partners, suppliers and more than 2,300 employees at various Bombardier facilities for their contributions to the program,” Bombardier Commercial Aircraft vice president for the C Series Aircraft Program Rob Dewar said.
“While we shift this same focus and dedication towards ensuring a flawless entry-into-service alongside first operator SWISS – with first delivery planned in the second quarter of 2016 – we also look forward to continuing demo flights to showcase this magnificent aircraft to airlines and other interested operators around the world.”
The CS300 was “on track to obtain its type certificate within the next six months as planned”, Bombardier said.
