Bombardier Delays New CSeries Jets, Gets $2 Billion Order

A Bombardier CS100 in the factory

Bombardier said that it is pushing back the expected delivery date of its first CSeries jets and announced a major order for the new aircraft.

The Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer said that it now expects to deliver its first CS100 jet in the second half of 2015, while it is scheduled to deliver its first CS300 about six months later.

Bombardier said that it needs more time to conduct the flight test phase, and to ensure that the aircraft have the system maturity expected and needed prior to delivery.  The decision was made after review of the CSeries program following the initial first flight of the CS100 last September.

The CSeries aircraft are expected to be up to 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category.  The aircraft will have a range of 2,950 nautical miles (5,463 km).  The aircraft will also offer a 20% fuel burn advantage.

Last week, Bombardier announced a $2 billion deal with Al Qahtani Aviation, a new airline based in Saudi Arabia, for up to 26 CSeries aircraft.  The airline ordered 16 CS300 jets, with an option for another ten.  The order brings the total number of firm orders for the CSeries up to 198.