Editors note: I’m still catching up with some of the headlines that hit before Christmas as this cold and flu has been my better friend than I wanted it to be.
Last Friday, Bombardier delivered the first C Series aircraft to an Asian customer – Korean Air.
The manufacturer delivered a CS300 frame with Pratt & Whitney turbofans, in a ceremony at Mirabel in Canada.
Handshake between Fred Cromer, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Soo-Keun Lee, Chief Technology Officer, Korean Air as the first CS300 is handed over – Image, Bombardier
On the handover, Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft stated:
“This is a very important milestone for the C Series program because it is our breakthrough into the fast-growing Asian market, and we are honored to have Korean Air Lines as our brand ambassador in the region,”
Mr Cromer also stated his hopes for the growth strategy for the C Series in Asia
“We expect that over the next 20 years, Asian operators will take delivery of 2,870 small single-aisle aircraft. We are thrilled that Korean Air is the first in the region to showcase the CS300 aircraft’s outstanding performance and capabilities.”
Soo-Keun Lee, Chief Technology Officer, Korean Air Lines states
“We have witnessed the C Series impressive first year in service, and are pleased to take delivery of our first Bombardier CS300 aircraft”
“When we selected the aircraft in 2011, we knew it would be a great addition to our fleet. Today, it is the most efficient aircraft in its class, and its passenger comfort is outstanding. The CS300 aircraft will enable us to reinforce our regional single-aisle operations, while providing a high level of profitability and customer satisfaction. These are key drivers of our decision to acquire the Bombardier CS300, and we are looking forward integrating it to our fleet.”
Korean Air have orders for 10 C Series aircraft, with options for a further 10. These planes are configured with a two-class cabin – a Premium Economy Cabin and an Economy Cabin. The airctraft will be used to help “right-size” certain operations, with the ability to operate internationally if needed.
For Bombardier and the C Series programme – it’s another big step as they continue to push forward the programme (as well as give some of it to Airbus to manage).
Suffice to say, the C Series is programme that intrigues me still (even without the political fighting which hasn’t aided this project at all) – and is on my list of types to fly in 2018…
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