No doubt it is public negotiating. That is very transparent. RA wants the best deal at the end of the day. Remember, he said, "At the right price, it is a very competitive airplane." RA expects a certain price per unit and Bombardier has to hit that price if they want to expand the relationship with Delta.
However, it also helps if the airplane offers a lot of flexibility and options. RA has repeatedly praised the GTF engine saying his engineers love it. Also, the CS300 has been designed to fly short hops (like the way SWISS will use it in Europe) as well as potential longer, thinner routes. It offers much better flexibility than what the E195 can offer. If you were inclined, you could fly the CS300 full from Boston to London City or from Daytona Beach to Seattle. Or you could fly it efficiently on shorter flights. The C-Series provides any airline with OPTIONS. Sure, fuel prices have declined big time, but give it some time and a potential war in the Middle East and we will all be focused on efficiency once again.
The
operating costs of the C-Series are super competitive, but the
capital costs need to be negotiated down with a big order. My point is that
IF the price is right per unit, Delta or any other legacy could benefit from the following:
- Efficient operating economics relative to competing aircraft (next Embraer E2 version not due for 3 years)
- Passenger cabin innovations and improved comfort (i.e., better overhead bins, more windows for better light)
- Far more environmentally friendly (both noise and pollutants)
- Flexible route OPTIONS - Europe and Hawaii capable or short haul
- The most advanced flight deck technology for enhanced safety and passenger comfort (synthetic vision, HUD, Collins ProLine Fusion, auto throttles, sidesticks, etc., : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEtYyMbSY8 )
As you can tell, I have been following this program since its inception. I have flown Bombardier products for many years - some better than others. Sure, Delta could be "playing" Bombardier to bring down Embraer or Airbus prices. I am hopeful that SWISS will have a smooth entry-into-service with the CS100 in the next few months and that we all get some good operating data:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRM-NAj63g8
Bottom line, I think there is a real need out there for a new airplane in the 120-150 seat range, and the CS300 would work well for Delta in that category. But I ain't a negotiator. Time will tell if a deal can be done........