There are many “when it will happen” questions in the airline industry – one of them has been answered today with Delta signing for up to 125 Bombardier CSeries aircraft.
Delta Bombardier CSeries C100 – Rendering, Bombardier.
There has been a lot of dancing around the subject over the past few months, but it seems Delta are putting their signature on the order.
The initial order is for 75 Bombardier CSeries CS100 aircraft, with options for 50 more aircraft, which could be in either CS100 models (the short body version) or the CS300 (the longer bodied version).
Delta will be installing seatback IFE, WiFi and a 2-2 style business class cabin, with economy in a 2-3 formation.
Let’s not make any bones about this – this is a huge win for Bombardier who have been looking for their CSeries – with up to a 125 frames valued at $US5.6 billion (if Delta is paying list price… and as I’ve commented multiple times – airlines don’t pay list price a lot of the time).
Delta seems happy with the order, with Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming chief executive stating:
“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”
“These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance.”
Deliveries of the CSeries are due to commence in Summer 2018
For Bombardier, it will be a moment of relief as a big customer willing takes on a large fleet of CSeries aircraft. Combined with the planned introduction into service in July, things look to be finally on the up for the company.
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