Company Says Entry Into Service Still On Track

Bombardier began tearing down the engine that failed during ground maintenance of its first flight test CSeries airplane late last week. The airplane suffered what Bombardier described as an "engine-related incident" on Thursday during stationary maintenance testing in Canada.

Reuters reports that Bombardier and Pratt & Whitney, which built the engine, are investigating the incident along with Canadian authorities.

Bombardier officials say they are still planning to start deliveries of the airplane in 2015, but if this investigation becomes lengthy, it could affect the delivery timeline.

The CSeries is intended to compete with Boeing's 737 MAX and Airbus' A320neo in the single-aisle market. It was supposed to have been flying passengers beginning in 2013.

Damage to the actual airplane was reportedly minor and easy to repair, according to Bombardier president and Chief Operating Officer Guy Hachey. But it is not known if the problem with the engine was a production issue that could be easy to correct, or a design problem that could lead to a lengthy, and costly delay.

(CSeries image from file)

FMI: www.bombardier.com