Aviation Analysis Wing: Air Baltic launch customer for CS300
During the Dubai Air Show, Bombardier has revealed that the Riga, Latvia-based Air Baltic Corporation AS (airBaltic) will be the first customer to operate the CS300 aircraft when it takes delivery in the second half of 2016.
The Latvian flag carrier has 13 CS300 aircraft on firm order and retains options for seven CS300 aircraft.
The stretched variant of the CS100, the CS300 will cater to the 150 seat single aisle segment, competing with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family. Future competitions include the COMAC C919, Irkut MC-21 and Embraer E-190 series.
Established in 1995, airBaltic is the main carrier in the Baltic region and operates direct flights out of Riga, Latvia and serves 60 destinations spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States and the Middle East with a fleet of 25 aircraft.
The CS100 will enter service with SWISS airline, early next year, after achieving Transport Canada certification later this year.
The advanced design of C Series family will offers savings of up to US$ 7.5 to 12 million per aircraft.
The C Series aircraft's maximum range has also been confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted.
The aircraft is delivering more than a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to in-production aircraft, and a greater than 10 per cent advantage compared to re-engined aircraft.
The CS100 and CS300 aircraft have over 95 per cent parts commonality, as well as the same type rating and is powered by thr Pratt & Whitney PurePowerŪ PW1500G geared turbofan engines.
Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 603 C Series aircraft, which include firm orders for 243.