Iraqi Airways firms up CSeries order that could be worth $1.26B

TORONTO—Iraq’s national airline has firmed up its agreement with Bombardier Aerospace to purchase five CS300 passenger jets worth US$387-million, the Canadian firm announced.

The first customer commitment for the highly anticpated CSeries since testing began in September, Iraqi Airways signed a letter of intent to acquire the aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.

The agreement between Bombardier and Iraqi Airways includes options for 11 more aircraft, which could push the deal’s value to US$1.26-billion at current list prices.

“The CS300 aircraft is ideally suited to Iraqi Airways’ expanding operations, providing the right mix of performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort to support the airline’s ongoing success in its increasingly competitive markets,” Bombardier president of commercial aircraft Mike Arcamone said in a statement.

“We are delighted to be participating in Iraq’s reconstruction by delivering the best aircraft to support Iraqi Airways’ growth and development.”

Bombardier is continuing its testing of the jet ahead of launch, announcing this week that weather may force it to move the program to facilities in Wichita, Kan.