Bombardier’s new C Series aircraft has found a customer – creating a significant milestone for the company. By ordering 75 CS100 aircraft with the option to buy another 50 later on, Delta has become Bombardier’s biggest customer with the sale valued at about $5.6 billion at published rates.
But this isn’t just an achievement for Bombardier, as the announcement has implications for the entire aerospace industry. This one order establishes the company as a competitive force to be reckoned with. While it doesn’t necessarily threaten the current “duopoly” of Boeing and Airbus yet, it is a step toward leveling the playing field.
As for the aircraft being purchased, the C Series has a number of positive attributes that likely attracted Delta. It is a single-aisle plane fitting into the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market (a new introduction for Bombardier), and uses advanced materials along with a Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engine to boost fuel efficiency.
Inside the cabin, passengers will find 19-inch-wide seats, ample overhead storage, and an exceptional view, as this model boasts the largest windows in the single-aisle aircraft market. It is also the quietest commercial jet in its class, making it a comfortable experience for those on the ground and in the air.
With the successful launch of this aircraft into the commercial aerospace sector, Bombardier is further positioning itself as a heavy hitter in the industry. We look forward to seeing what else they have in store for the future.