BA-CS100

Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace has announced that an undisclosed airline based in the Americas has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to purchase 12 CS100 jets with an option to add another 18 CSeries aircraft.

The $870m deal when exercised with optional order could push the value of the deal for all 30 aeroplanes to $2.08bn based on list prices.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone: "This customer-selected the CS100 jetliners based on the flexibility and superior operational efficiencies offered only by the CSeries aircraft family."

The aircraft manufacturer noted that the assembly of flight test vehicle (FTV1) was progressing; the aircraft wings were being installed to the fuselage at its final assembly facility in Mirabel, Québec, after arriving from Bombardier Aerospace Belfast earlier this month.

In addition, assembly of the complete airframe static test (CAST) for the CSeries jets has been completed and the instrumentation and loading system is being finalised for airframe tests in January, Bombardier added.

"This customer-selected the CS100 jetliners based on the flexibility and superior operational efficiencies offered only by the CSeries aircraft family."

CSeries jetliner is scheduled to take its maiden flight by the end of June 2013.

Originally, the first flight had been planned for the end of 2012, but in November Bombardier has pushed its scheduled date due to supplier delays in the delivery of components.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries jet line will feature 100 to 149 seats, has been designed to offer 20% fuel savings compared with rival aircraft and 15% operating cost advantage to airlines.

As of 30 September, Bombardier received 352 firm orders and commitments for CSeries jets from 14 customers worldwide, with 138 of them being firm orders.

Image: Bombardier CSeries jetliner is scheduled take its maiden flight in June 2013. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.