With Airbus taking the lead of the C Series Partnership, the airframer has decided the first thing the plane needs… is a new name.
Introducing the Airbus A220
The A220 family will be split into two sub-types:
- The A220-100 (Currently the C Series CS100)
- The A220-300 (Currently the C Series CS300)
The formal unveiling was carried out at Airbus Toulouse at the Henri-Ziegler Delivery Centre,
The plane flew in from East Midlands Airport – where it had been repainted.
As we know these aircraft serve the 100-150 seater markets, and compliment the existing Airbus A320neo family which serve the larger narrow-body markets.
On the formal launch of the A220 series, Guillaume Faury, Airbus President Commercial Aircraft states
“Everyone at Airbus has been looking forward to this historic moment. Today, we are thrilled to welcome the A220 to the Airbus family and are honoured to see it wearing its new Airbus colours for the first time,”
“I pay tribute to all the women and men at Bombardier and the supply chain who have strived over the past years to bring this fantastic aircraft to the world. The A220 now enters a new phase in its career with all Airbus’ ressources behind it to further its commercial success worldwide.”
Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officier, also stated
We are enthusiastic about selling the A220 thanks in particular to its technology which gives it a decisive edge in a very competitive market. I have received a lot of positive feedback from customers regarding the aircraft’s outstanding passenger experience, its lower fuel burn, lower weight and quieter engines. All these reasons contribute to my optimism that Airbus will support to make the A220 a great commercial success.”
The type (as the Bombardier C Series) is currently in service with Swiss International Air Lines, airBaltic and Korean Air
With the first plane in Airbus house colours, comes the hard part – selling the plane to customers. With Airbus trying to work with suppliers to reduce costs, whilst leveraging the sales arm – hopefully for the programme it will be a matter of “when” rather than “if”.
And with Farnborugh around the corner – I’d expect news sooner rather than later.
Now I have to remember to type Airbus A220-xxx rather than Bombardier C Series…
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