David Puddy

I wish! I would make more in sales at Bombardier than I do flying for a living. LOL

No, in reality, I have been a Bombardier operator for many years (both 121 and 135). Yes, Bombardier has not always been a great, consistent manufacturer. However, I have been keenly interested in the C-Series since its inception given its clean sheet design and I have been concerned about the many recent Bombardier missteps and how that would impact a great leap in technology like we are seeing in the C-Series. It is a phenomenal platform (you can fly it efficiently between LAS-LAX or between SBA-HNL or BOS-LCY). The passengers will have fantastic seating, new overhead bins and much better windows for more natural light. Up front, this aircraft was designed by pilots for pilots. The technology employed is as sophisticated or better than what you would see in the 787 - and it will be a comfortable cockpit with sides sticks and huge windows for great visibility. This will be a comfortable cockpit for short, multiple hops or for longer flights (it can fly 3,000 miles). I want to fly it myself! I really think this video does a good job describing the platform and the technological advances:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9yWF9cCVJY

Overall I am very impressed with the program and I believe it is an apples to oranges comparison when you look at the current Embraer E-Jets. Sure, the E2 version will be better than the existing E190/95, but we have to wait 3 years to see it. The C-Series will be operational in 2-3 months at SWISS and we will get to see how it operates on the line. Let's hope for a smooth entry-into-service. Again, both Delta and United are apparently considering the C-Series versions (CS100 or CS300) - with Bombardier's need for a big deal, now is the time to negotiate and get favorable pricing!