Bombardier Aerospace delays CSeries entry-into-service until second half of 2015

MONTRÉAL, Quebec, 17 Jan. 2014. Bombardier Aerospace officials announced that the CSeries aircraft program’s flight test phase will require more time than originally anticipated to ensure overall system maturity and a successful entry-into-service.

The CSeries aircraft program is making solid progress and initial performance results are in line with the company's expectations, according to a company spokesperson. Nonetheless, a thorough review of the first flight of the CS100 on 16 September 2013 prompted company officials to delay its entry-into-service until the second half of 2015, followed by the CS300 aircraft's entry-into-service approximately six months later.

"We are taking the required time to ensure a flawless entry-into-service. We are very pleased that no major design changes have been identified, this gives us confidence that we will meet our performance targets," says Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "While the process has taken more time than we had expected, our suppliers are aligned with the program's schedule and together, we will continue to work closely to move the program steadily forward. With the first flight of flight test vehicle 2 (FTV2) successfully completed on January 3, 2014, the CSeries aircraft program will continue to gain traction over the coming months."

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the completely new CSeries aircraft family is powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines.

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 445 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 198 CSeries airliners, to date. Some 17 customers and lessees have joined the CSeries aircraft program.