David Puddy

Absolutely. RA likely knows Bombardier needs a big deal. Add to that Republic has something like 40 CS300 orders and 40 CS300 options that it can't use due to scope limitations. The ingredients for a big deal are in place - but who knows if it will actually happen. The CS300 would be a great potential replacement for the aging MD88s IMHO.

Meanwhile, SWISS and Bombardier are already gearing up for the CS100 (smaller version) introduction in Europe shortly - an initial 12 SWISS pilots have already been sent to training:

http://airnation.net/hangar/threads/bombardier-starts-c-series-production-ramp-up-atw.19820/?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=N ewsletter

The C-Series will be moving forward with or without a big legacy order. I think the initial operating data will be impressive and the aircraft will get more interest. I believe Bombardier should give Delta the substantial discount it is looking for in return for a big order because other airlines will follow Delta's lead. Consider it a marketing investment.

By the way, many people like to cite Delta's previous reluctance to buy "unproven" programs. That is understood. However, keep in mind that if the CS300 (130+ pax) is ultimately ordered, the CS300 shares something like 95% commonality with the smaller CS100 that is certified 6 months before the CS300. So, initial operating experience with SWISS on the CS100 will be very relevant. Again, this is my opinion and completely speculative.

forgot to bid

David,




We are internet savvy Delta pilots. We drift. We drift better than anybody and make it more entertaining than any other pilot group could. We are just that much better than everyone else when it comes to drifting.

Hence... 187,000 posts on the Delta L&G thread.

asacimesp

You can "consider" anything... It doesn't mean you will buy it. We needed a car, I considered a new Vette. Turns out I would be broke and divorced. Now we have a slightly used SUV. Better for the family and kids that way. This is just a little public negotiating...

David Puddy

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........

notEnuf

Wow. I am a Bombardier fan too. Way to many hours in a CRJ. That there went above and beyond fandom. I hope you get a check from the Bombardier marketing department. After years on the MD89 I agree we need new airplanes. All the latest tech looks great but if saving money on capital costs get us RESTORATION plus I'd fly a DC9.

We have 0, absolutely nothing, the absence of something is 0, to say about aircraft acquisitions. Period.

Not a jab. Just a fact.

So what's it going to take to get you in a new contract today? We have a limited time offer on new CS300s and we would love to see you behind the stick of one of these super cool and super competitive rocket surgeon mobiles. Whadda ya say?

notEnuf

FTB get yo creep on. My kids are big fans. They made me play the loop of your winter vacation for like 15 minutes. Nice Speedo.

forgot to bid

Was that me jumping on the ice?

Like what was I thinking?

Mesabah

It's not the airplane, it's the company. Bombardier is not well run, and it is risky for Delta to purchase the C-Series from a virtually bankrupt company. Now if RA gets a great deal on these planes, and Airbus acquires BB, that would be massive win for Delta.

Army80

Just my $.02:

The CEO talks about buying 777's for less than $10M.

I can't see him buying new smaller jets for many times that number.

I would expect us to obtain more "hand me down" E-190's; either from Boeing trade in type deals or from the coming implosion of the puppy mills.

I don't see us getting very many large jets in the next decade or so. The model of letting the JV's do the big jet flying, and us do the hub feeding with about the current level of large jets, is what makes money. I don't see the head shed changing this model.

I do see us doing more smaller jet flying as the commuters fold up.

BTW, anyone have any thoughts on the Mitsubishi small jet?

ArcticOtter

You are exactly right. The plane is great but the company is dysfunctional and on the verge of bankruptcy. The recent $3.2 billion right down virtually guarantees the program will never turn a profit and each plane will cost the company more to make than it sells for until 2020. And that's at full list price. They lost $5 billion last year and recently took a $1.2 billion bailout from the Quebec government as well as now saying they need another billion dollar bailout. Bombardier can't afford to discount big, the only way a good deal could be made is by having the Canadian tax payer make up the difference which is unlikely.