Doug Masters

Maybe the company has doubts about the 190s really coming. Perhaps shopping for a better deal? Or of course it could be that delta always has, and will continue to do, boneheaded things and then expect us to solve their problems.

CheapTrick

Perhaps the 190 domicile doesn't go to LA but instead goes to MSP? And then DTW? And then NYC?

Perhaps the CS300 deal happens and preempts the whole E190 plan with a better airplane. Bombardier takes the E190s and we get a great new airplane.

Perhaps monkeys fly out of my butt. It could happen.

Moondog

I felt like RA would use the 190's to score a deal on the Bombardier's, but he is gone and who knows what SE will do?

David Puddy

Incorrect! RA is not gone - he is the Executive Chairman meaning that he still has an important executive role (probably more strategic than day-to-day operational).

I do agree that Delta is in an even better negotiating position with Bombardier now given the previous E190 interest. Add Republic's recent bankruptcy (with its 40 CS300 orders and 40 options now available) and Delta should be able to negotiate a great deal just like Air Canada did last month with a big C-Series order. I bet Delta could get a great deal if they want it...

scambo1

How great of a deal? Numbers please, dollars and cents (American). Because, frankly the CS needs a big order but it's not happening unless the price is extremely competitive. Extremely.

We all know this. I have no responsibility in the decision.

It's like the Saab Gripen. Way too expensive for what it does and very much needed a market. In the end, I think Saab actually paid Hungary to fly them. I don't know how that works from a business standpoint. But, is bombardier/Canadair prepared to do something serious like that?

David Puddy

Good question. Again, you get what you negotiate and RA is known as a very good negotiator. I would definitely say that the ball is in Delta's court with the C-Series and Bombardier would likely bend pretty far to get a big order from a legacy carrier beyond Air Canada. Who knows - Delta may be using this idea as a negotiating chip with Boeing/Airbus and it may never happen.... I hope that it does happen but you never know.

However, if the price-per-unit is negotiated down to a something competitive (financing cost), the operating cost reduction with the new GTF engines will be extremely compelling. Also, remember that the E190 and the CS100/300 are like comparing apples and oranges. The C-Series can fly high-frequency short hops around Europe (like it will shortly for SWISS which plans to fly them up to 8 sectors per day) or it can fly 3,000 miles nonstop on longer, thinner routes. So, routes like Palm Springs to Lihue/Kahului, Seattle to PBI or Boston to London City become feasible with the CS300 if route planners are so inclined - this airplane gives you flexibility and many more route options.... From a planning perspective, it gives you "optionality" - you can do more with this airplane.

So, if you can get the financing cost component to be competitive, the operating cost component makes the C-Series even more compelling. Add a very comfortable cabin for passengers (big bins, 2X3 seats and more windows for better light) and for the folks up front a comfy side-stick equipped cockpit with Collins ProLine Fusion - the same system you would find in the most expensive Global Express Bizjet. When the C-Series is compared with an E190/E195 we are talking apples and oranges...

Ray Red

I think the C series has a wider middle seat which would make a huge difference from a customer standpoint.

David Puddy

FL370esq

Well, unlike Boeing prices (USD) or Airbus (€), in theory we get to save about 30% off whatever Air Canada negotiated just from the currency exchange (USD to CAD) alone. Even flight attendants would call that a bargain. 😆

Vikz09

The seats on the C-series are as follows. First class, 20 inches. Coach seats are 18.5 inches with the middle seat at 19.0 inches. This aircraft will be more comfortable than any narrow body aircraft.

Personally I think it's highly likely it happens at or just after Delta's Board meets in early April. Currently, the Canadian Government is meeting to discuss financial Guarantee's to Bombardier and should have that decision very soon. I assume Delta will be able to receive VERY low interest rates similar to the US export-import bank. If that occurs we can argue that the Canadian financing provided us a better deal than what Boeing could offer ( taking a opportunity to show the shortcomings of the bank providing low rates to foreign purchases only). With that the airplanes operating metrics are 20% lower than CEO (current eng options) and 10% lower than NEO operations.

If this happens, I see no reason that Delta fly's the E-190's. Now the real kicker.... This decision needs to be made VERY SOON as the E-190 program needs to get up and running and planes need to arrive soon so training and familiarity can begin.

Also of note. Delta's debtor in financing deal with Republic. No mention of any deal for Republics 40 C-300 launch slots but obviously, something or someone needs to prop up those or Bombardier is in real trouble. It seems like a perfect opportunity to get a helluva deal. Seems odd as well that Bastian essentially did a 180 and announced the 88's would be gone in 4-5 years. It just seems to make too much sense!