Bombardier delays CSeries deliveries until second half of 2015
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Working to ensure "aircraft has overall system maturity to support successful entry-into-service"
MONTREAL—Bombardier Aerospace confirmed its new CSeries passenger jet will be further delayed in another blow to the aircraft that is set to do battle with Airbus and Boeing Co. for commercial airlines’ business.
The aerospace division of transportation giant Bombardier confirmed that the entry-into-service for the CS100—the first of two models in the CSeries lineup—will be pushed into the second half of 2015.
The larger CS300 will be launched roughly six months later.
Bombardier said the delay will occur as it looks to ensure “the aircraft has the overall system maturity to support a successful entry-into-service.”
Late last year industry observers generally believed the first delivery would be made in the first quarter of 2015, about six months behind schedule.
Bombardier had been hoping to begin deliveries later this year.
In early January a Bombardier spokesperson said “the goal for first deliveries remains the fall of 2014.”
The first test flight of the CS100 model took place in September 2013, but it wasn’t until this month that simultaneous test flights occurred—with both the CS100 and CS300 in the air.
Bombardier needs approximately 2,400 hours of actual flying from five CS100 test aircraft before deliveries begin.
Hailed as a game-changer for commercial jet operators, the CSeries program has had difficulty getting off the ground, with the in-air testing launching nine months behind schedule.
Still, the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer is confident in its position with the CSeries.
“While the process has taken more time than we had expected, our suppliers are aligned with the program’s schedule and together, we will continue to work closely to move the program steadily forward,” Bombardier’s president of commercial planes Mike Arcamone said in a statement.
“The CSeries aircraft program will continue to gain traction over the coming months.”
The firm said it has commitments for 445 CSeries aircraft, including firm orders for 198 of the jets.
