CSeries bags big order from Delta

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Delta Air Lines, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia (Delta Air Lines) announced that the parties have executed ...

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Delta Air Lines, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia (Delta Air Lines) announced that the parties have executed a firm agreement for the sale and purchase of 75 CS100 aircraft with options for an additional 50 CS100 aircraft.

Delta Air Lines may elect to convert a number of these aircraft into CS300 at a later date.

Based on the list price of the CS100 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $5.6 billion US.

The order will be a big relief  for the Canadian manufacturer, as the program is over budget by billions of dollars and years behind schedule.

“As we reshape our fleet for the future, the innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming chief executive. “These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance.”

“Welcoming Delta Air Lines to the C Series family of operators is a watershed moment for our game-changing aircraft. As an industry leader, Delta consistently ranks first with customers, business leaders and its peers – a benchmark for operational performance,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This order is a resounding endorsement of the CS100 aircraft performance and its exceptionally low operating costs. In addition, its widest aisle, widest seats and largest bins in its class will be attractive features for Delta’s passengers.”

With this order, Delta becomes the C Series aircraft’s largest customer. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in spring 2018.

The 100 per cent all-new design of CSeries single aisle offers operators up to US $13 million extra value per aircraft.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engines, the CS100 is delivering a 15 to 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to other re-engined aircraft.

The C Series aircraft’s maximum range has also been confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted.