There was some good new for Bombardier on Friday – with news that the first type of the CSeries aircraft – the CS100 has been formally certified for serial production and service.
Bombardier CSeries CS100 taxing – Image, Bombardier.
Bombardier received the type certification from Transport Canada after a long test programme that has had its highlights and lowlights.
With a Type Certificate in hand, delivery and entry into service can now push ahead.
SWISS will be the first airline to take delivery of the CS100, during the 2nd Quarter of 2016.
The CSeries was meant to herald a new entry point in the aviation market – the 100 to 150 seat market that had been underserved by airlines.
Instead over time, airlines have up-sized and have promptly ignored the market for now – and it show in the order book Bombardier has. Whilst the new generation of Boeing and Airbus narrow body aircraft have hit the jackpot with orders into the multiple thousands, Bombardier has orders for a grand total of 243 aircraft.
Indeed, the first aircraft certified – the CS100 – has orders for 53 aircraft.
The more successful CS300 (which has orders for 190 aircraft) is on track to get its certification in six months time according to Bombardier.
For Bombardier, as the CSeries moves from test article into a flyable product – the manufacturer has to go out there and SELL SELL SELL those aircraft.
Additionally, for its own sake, the entry into service will have to be as smooth as possible so that any problems are ironed out quickly – again, to aid sales of the aircraft.
Hopefully, in-service experience with the CSeries will convenience airlines and lessors to open up their wallets and take a hard look at the CSeries.
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