The C Series CS300 aircraft’s first operator airBaltic and Bombardier have entered into a firm agreement to convert seven optional aircraft to firm orders as the Riga-based airline aims to transition to an all-bombardier fleet. This brings the airline’s total firm orders of the CS300 to 20 aircraft. The agreement follows the airline’s conversion of 3 option aircraft announced in February 2014 with the original order for 10 aircraft with 10 options took place in December 2012. The airline is due to receive the first CS300 in the second half of 2016. Based on the list price of the CS300, this firm order is valued at $506 million.
“Our fleet modernization continues as we proudly increase our all-new CS300 aircraft to a fleet of 20 technologically-advanced jetliners in order to support our ‘Horizon 2021’ business plan. This will substantially improve the connectivity of the Baltic region with Western Europe and the Eastern markets – all of which will help stimulate the economies of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, and create new jobs,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. “The CS300 aircraft will improve our passenger experience and convenience as we position ourselves for growth, reaching new destinations due to the increased capabilities of our new jets joining us later this year.”
“We are delighted that our CS300 launch operator, airBaltic has chosen to increase its firm order position as the airline embarks on transitioning to an all-Bombardier fleet,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This demonstrates the growing collaboration between our two companies and we congratulate airBaltic on its achievements – including recently being recognized as the World’s Most Punctual Airline, in addition to being named one of the World’s Most Innovative Airlines. With the production of the airBaltic’s first CS300 aircraft well underway, we look forward to its first commercial flight.”
The C Series family of aircraft, representing the fusion of performance and technology, is a 100 per cent all-new design that offers operators up to US $13 million extra value per aircraft. By focusing on the 100- to 150-seat market segment, Bombardier has designed the C Series aircraft to deliver unparalleled economic advantage to operators and to open up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operations. By employing advanced materials, state-of-the-art technologies and advanced aerodynamics, combined with the groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine, the C Series aircraft is delivering a greater-than 10 per cent unit cost advantage compared to similarly-sized, re-engined aircraft.
In addition to delivering best-in-class economics with the C Series aircraft, Bombardier has placed considerable emphasis on cabin design to ensure a superior passenger experience. The aircraft offers 19-inch-wide seats that set a new industry standard, large overhead bins that accommodate a carry-on bag for each passenger, and the largest windows in the single-aisle market. Together these attributes create a widebody feel that offers passengers an unparalleled level of comfort. The game-changing C Series aircraft offers the best-in-class environmental scorecard making it the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. With a combination of outstanding short-field capability and a maximum range of up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), the C Series aircraft is uniquely positioned for varied types of operations. Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 678 C Series aircraft, which include firm orders for 250.