C class unveiled

It is not selling as well as its Canadian owners would like and it is behind schedule but Bombardier is very confident regarding its new C series mid-range jet.  Last week the Montreal-based manufacturer said it was making "solid progress" on an aircraft partly made in Belfast, and promised for London City Airport.  First flight is now suggested for June.

Bombardier is aiming to capture 50% of the 100-to-149-seat aircraft sub-category over the next 20 years – an estimated US$43bn market according to the company. 

At list prices, the 110-seat CS100 costs US$62m and the 130-seat CS300 US$71m.  In contrast, the Boeing 737 MAX is listed at US$82m and Airbus A319 NEO US$88.8m.  airBaltic said that it is planning a higher-density 148-seat version of the plane.

Bombardier said it would offer a CS300 with an option for up to 160 seats, either as an initial order or as a retrofitted plane.  Its order book currently stands at 148, excluding a commitment for 32 CS300 jets by Russia's Ilyushin Finance Co awaiting shareholder approval.  This compares with 1,440 for Airbus NEO family and 1,064 for the Boeing 737 MAX. www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/products/commercial-aircraft

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