SWISS Pilots Conclude Initial Phase Of Training; First SWISS CS100 Aircraft Powers Up

The C Series aircraft program is making excellent progress as the CS100 aircraft readies for delivery and entry-into-service (EIS) with launch operator Swiss International Air Lines ("SWISS") in Q2 2016, according to Bombardier officials speaking at the Singapore Air Show.

Additionally, the company said, the CS300 aircraft has completed over 70 per cent of its certification activities to date and is on target for full certification approximately in mid-year 2016, followed by its planned EIS in the second half of 2016 with airBaltic of Latvia.

"It's been a very productive start to the year with a lot of activity around the SWISS team completing its initial phase of training on-site for pilots, ground and maintenance crews," said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "It was a special treat to celebrate SWISS' first aircraft 'powering on' - meaning electricity and systems ran for the first time on the aircraft. Excitement is building as crews await the maiden flight of their aircraft in the coming months.

"Additionally, components arrived this month and the first CS300 aircraft for launch customer airBaltic is now in production. It's great to know we're pacing well to meet our program and customer targets for the year," said Mr. Cromer.

"As the second CS300 flight test vehicle equipped with a full interior prepares for its first flight, I'm thrilled to confirm we've completed more than 70 per cent of the CS300 aircraft's certification activities," said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "This last flight test vehicle is dedicated to cabin and interior certification, but we foresee a smooth road due to the flight crews' familiarity with the CS100 aircraft and the high degree of commonality between the two models."

"We are very advanced in our preparations for SWISS' entry-into-service. Key conferences and workshops for initial provisioning, start-up support, supplier orientation, technical publications and data reporting are completed; and technical training has commenced," said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "In addition, Bombardier and supplier on-site support is in place; more than 500 users have access to our online Customer Services portal; and we are beefing up our state-of-the-art C Series Customer Response Centre for 24/7 worldwide support."

In December 2015, Bombardier announced that the CS100 aircraft had received its Type Certificate from Transport Canada. Bombardier's CS300 aircraft, the larger model, is on track to obtain its Type Certificate approximately in mid-year 2016, followed by EIS in the second half of 2016 as planned.

(Image from file. Source: Bombardier news release)

FMI: www.bombardier.com