Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announce deal with Delta Air Lines for C Series aircraft
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has announced a deal with Delta Air Lines which will see a firm order for 75 CS100s and options for an additional 50. The deal could be worth around £1.2bn for the UK’s aerospace industry.
Design and manufacture of advanced composite wings for the aircraft takes place at Bombardier’s Northern Ireland-based manufacturing site. Engineers at the Belfast site developed a Resin Transfer Infusion process which represents a step change in aircraft wing design and manufacture, described by Canadian certification authorities as setting new standards for composite wing certification.
Paul Everitt, CEO of ADS says: “This is great day for Bombardier in Northern Ireland; their breakthrough design and manufacture process is a fine example of the value that investment in R&D brings. As a result of Bombardier's innovation there will now be a substantial fleet of cleaner, greener and more efficient aircraft in use."
"Companies throughout the supply chain will benefit from this Delta Air Lines deal."
Welcoming the order by Delta Air Lines, Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Belfast, said: “We’re delighted that another customer has placed such a significant order for the C Series aircraft. This is a further endorsement of the aircraft’s excellent operating economics and environmental credentials, to which we in Belfast are contributing with the production of the advanced composite wings.
“We believe the unique, patented process we’ve developed represents a step change in aircraft wing technology, and is strengthening the UK's strategic goal of being the world leader in aircraft wing design and manufacture.”
This deal with Delta Air Lines brings the total number of confirmed orders for the CS100 to more than 300, with up to 800 options and commitments. This is the first time in around 30 years that the market has seen a new family of aircraft in the 100- to 150- seat bracket.
The CS100 is delivering a 15 to 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to re-engined aircraft and will emit 50 per cent fewer NOX emissions than the CAEP 6* NOX emission standards.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in spring 2018.