Delta Airlines have announced today that they have made an order for 75 Bombardier C Series CS100 aircraft.
As the U.S. launch customer, Delta’s firm order for 75 CS100s allows the company to cost-effectively reshape and upgauge its narrowbody fleet, providing an improved customer experience and better cost efficiency while maintaining a focus on prudent capital deployment.
“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,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming chief executive. “These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance.”
This transaction is part of Delta’s domestic strategy to upgauge the fleet, allowing the company to achieve its long-term financial targets, including 15 percent EPS growth and generation of $4-5 billion in free cash flow annually, while replacing less efficient domestic aircraft. With the order of the C Series, Delta will no longer induct the E190 into its fleet as planned.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest geared turbofan PW1500G engine, the CS100 takes advantage of advanced technology and composite materials designed to deliver an expected 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over similar sized aircraft when it enters service with Delta in spring 2018. The reduced noise and emissions of the C Series aligns with Delta’s broader goal to reduce the airline’s environmental footprint.
“We are very proud to welcome Delta as a C Series customer and to expand our partnership with such a prestigious airline,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “Given Delta’s position as one of the world’s largest and most respected airlines, this deal is a strong endorsement of the C Series as the best performing aircraft in the 100-150 passenger class. The addition of Delta to our marquee C Series customer list gives us tremendous momentum as we approach entry-into-service this summer.”
