Bombardier Aerospace, Lufthansa Flight Training (LFT) and Lufthansa Technical Training (LTT), today signed the first Authorized Training Provider (ATP) agreement for the Bombardier CSeries aircraft. The agreement will ensure that European operators of CSeries aircraft have access to world-class training services right at their doorstep. LFT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG while LTT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik AG.

Under the agreement, LFT will provide pilot training and cabin crew training, and LTT will provide technical training for Europe-based operators of the 110-passenger CS100 aircraft and 130-passenger CS300 aircraft, scheduled to enter into service in 2013. The new ATP will deliver training through an existing network of training centres in various locations across Europe.

“The anticipated success of the landmark CSeries aircraft program represents a strategic opportunity for us,” said Florian Hamm, President, LFT. “As one of the world’s leading providers of training services, we look forward to providing the high-calibre training that customers will expect for this ground-breaking jetliner.”

Both LFT and LTT will benefit from the use of Bombardier course materials while using their own instructors, infrastructure and simulator(s). They will employ the latest e-learning, classroom and simulator training technologies that will meet or exceed the European Aviation Safety Agency’s and other regulatory requirements. “The joint training approach of Bombardier, LFT and LTT guarantees operator-focused, state-of-the-art training concepts and techniques,” stated Holger Beck, COO, LTT.

“We are delighted to achieve this important customer training milestone so early in the development of the program for the CSeries aircraft,”  said James Hoblyn, President, Bombardier Customer Services & Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft. “It speaks to our priorities and represents another solid building block in Bombardier’s ongoing effort to redefine its service network to better support operators in all its programs worldwide.” 

Training services for the CSeries aircraft in Europe will mirror the training that Bombardier will conduct in the Montreal area, where the aircraft will be assembled. Training is expected to begin in 2013, in advance of the first delivery. Bombardier currently intends to pursue other ATP opportunities for other regions which will be announced at a later date. 

The agreement fuels momentum for the CSeries jetliner program, which has booked 50 firm orders with another 50 options to date. Deutsche Lufthansa AG, the launch customer for the CSeries aircraft program, has signed a firm purchase agreement for 30 CS100 aircraft, with options for an additional 30 CSeries jets. On March 30, Lease Corporation International Aviation (New Buildings) Limited ordered three CS100 and 17 CS300 jetliners, with options on a further 20 CSeries aircraft.

Source: Bombardier