Program on track to meet key aircraft performance targets

Bombardier announced today that the first set of systems tests and simulations for its all-new, technologically advanced CSeries aircraft, including those on the engine and electrical system, have started in its systems integration rig known as “Aircraft 0”* — known also as the Complete Integrated Aircraft Systems Test Area (CIASTA). Test data are confirming that the aircraft development program is on track to reach key performance targets as the drive towards Entry-Into-Service (EIS) in late 2013 continues. These major program milestones signal that Bombardier and its suppliers are making significant progress in the development of the CSeries aircraft.

Approximately 90 per cent of the CSeries aircraft’s systems will be tested in the first half of 2012 on “Aircraft 0,” which is located at the company’s Mirabel, Québec facility, 40 km north of Montréal. The progressive commissioning of the systems will be ongoing throughout the year to ensure continued aircraft validation on the ground, prior to flight testing.

“Over 200 components and systems for the CSeries aircraft are being tested worldwide and I am pleased to say that the data received so far is confirming our key performance targets and exceeding our expectations in many areas,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“Pratt & Whitney has run over 1,300 hours of full engine testing on the PW1500G engine that will power the CSeries aircraft and the first set of final assembly tooling at Mirabel is complete. Additionally, assembly simulation exercises are underway to optimize learning; and the pre-validation of the assembly process, as well as environmental health and safety requirements up front is a key focus.

“The development team for the CSeries aircraft is extremely engaged, committed, working hard and making outstanding progress towards achieving first flight approximately one year prior to the EIS,” added Mr. Dewar.

“In terms of sales, we’re right on track with 11 customers having placed orders, options, and other commitments for up to 317 CSeries aircraft,” said Chet Fuller, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Amongst these we have major network carriers, national carriers, premium airlines serving city centre airports, a low-cost airline, leasing companies and a full service provider to airline partners. This diversity of customers speaks volumes about the flexibility of the CSeries aircraft family and its ability to meet air transport requirements worldwide in the 100- to 149-seat market segment.

“Currently, we’re talking to more than 70 prospective operators worldwide and our recently announced agreement with COMAC creates opportunities for customers of the CSeries and C919aircraft to realize cost benefits from the operation of both aircraft families,” added Mr. Fuller.

About CSeries Aircraft Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15** per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20** per cent fuel burn advantage. The CSeries aircraft’s clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km)**. The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)** lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

Bombardier has booked firm orders for 138 CSeries airliners. Customers include Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Korean Air (10 CS300 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), PrivatAir (five CS100 aircraft), Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), an unidentified major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft), an unidentified European customer (10 CS100 aircraft) and a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft). The CSeries aircraft program has also booked options for 124 aircraft and purchase rights for 10 aircraft from these customers, as well as Letters of Intent for up to 30 CSeries aircraft from Ilyushin Finance Co, and for up to 15 CS300 aircraft from Atlasjet.

Bombardier press release