Bombardier is starting to see some clear skies as they announce that the all-new C Series aircraft program has begun producing aircraft. The final assembly facility is completed and fully equipped to begin full production and is on schedule. Aircraft are already in various stages of the build sequence and things are starting to look up for Bombardier after early issues with the C Series program caused some turbulence. Bombardier went on to announce that their first CS100 aircraft is set to be delivered to its first operator SWISS International Air Lines (SWISS) and will be in the air by Q2 2016.
SWISS pilots and flight crews began their first CS100 aircraft flight training in Mirabel, Quebec. Next step will be preparation for the route-proving flights, which they will operate alongside Bombardier’s flight crew. The CS100 route-proving aircraft will fly to Europe in the next few weeks. The North American route-proving program has already been completed, which included more than 35 cities.
“It’s truly a spectacular sight to see the C Series final assembly line fully stacked with production aircraft in various stages of assembly. The line itself has been designed for maximum production efficiency and our skilled production teams reached a milestone this month when they rolled out the first structurally complete aircraft that will enter service with SWISS in the next few months,” a statement by Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. He continues ” I also had the pleasure of welcoming the first set of SWISS crews Mirabel as they start their pilot training in anticipation of the European CS100 aircraft route-proving program. The program will be operated from SWISS’ own base in Zurich, Switzerland – yet another way we are ensuring a flawless entry-into-service (EIS) alongside our first operator.” (bit.ly/1Qewyja)
Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft also made a statement in Bombardiers press release. “In addition to the C Series aircraft production ramp-up and European route proving, our C Series Program and Engineering teams are working diligently alongside our Customer Services team – transferring employees to various areas for cross-functional training and aircraft familiarization. The timing is perfect as we now ready the European leg of the C Series route-proving program. We are also doing something unique to ensure that SWISS’ crews will be ready at delivery and EIS – SWISS’ flight crews, once trained, will operate the CS100 route-proving aircraft alongside Bombardier’s own flight crews from SWISS’ main base of operations. They will use SWISS’ schedule, flight crews, maintenance crews and aircraft destinations – all in the coming weeks.” (bit.ly/1Qewyja)
The CS100 aircraft received their Type Certificate from Transport Canada in December of 2015. The larger variation of the CS100, the CS300 aircraft, is also on schedule to obtain its Type Certificate within the next six months.
C Series Details
Bombardier designed an all-new aircraft design that offers operators potential savings of between $7.5 to 12 million per aircraft. The 100 – 150 seat market is a new market for Bombardier, and they designed the C Series to outperform all other single-aisle aircraft on the market today.
Noise performance testing on the CS100 aircraft is complete and the data proves it’s the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. The C Series aircraft has a maximum range of 3,300 NM (6,112 km) which is better than they originally expected. The CS100 and CS300 aircraft utilize Pratt & Whitney’s groundbreaking PurePower® PW1500G engine. This incredible engine coupled with advance aerodynamics helps delivers reduced fuel burn, noise levels and emissions. With a reduced noise level and a substantial range, the aircraft also burns 20% less fuel than in-production aircraft as well as 10% over reengineered aircraft. Another mission for Bombardier was their commitment to reducing NOx emissions, they succeeded. The C Series aircraft will emit 50% fewer NOx emissions than CAEP 6* NOx emission standards.
Bombardier also focused heavily on cabin design to offer a superb passenger experience. Larger seats, overhead bins, and windows, will create a wide body feel in a single-aisle aircraft.
Bombardier has faced their fair share of difficulties throughout the entire C Series program, but now they’re right where they need to be. Find out more about the C Series program and all the hurtles they have successfully traversed.
https://mfgtalkradio.com/can-bombardier-soar-on-its-own/
https://mfgtalkradio.com/bombardier-still-facing-some-turbulence/
https://mfgtalkradio.com/bombardiers-bold-move/
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