Aerospace 16 - airBaltic CS300 First Comercial Flight

The Bombardier C Series CS300 first scheduled commercial flight for Latvian launch carrier, airBaltic, took off from Riga to Amsterdam today (14th December, 2016). This will be the first of many flights for the new, innovative, 130 to 150-seat, CS300, taking place this year with many different airlines, and bodes well for the future.

Bombardier said it will increase the formal specifications for the C Series CS300, as the aircraft’s per seat and trip costs have already proven 2% better than its original brochure values.

“We are thrilled to be flying the first CS300 aircraft – the newest member of the most innovative and technologically advanced family of airliners in the world,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. “With its longer range capabilities, lower fuel burn and reduced noise emissions compared to other airliners in its segment, the CS300 aircraft will enable airBaltic to open new routes and connect people all across Europe, while offering passengers an unparalleled in-flight experience.

Aerospace 10 - Bombardier CS300

The latest Bombardier CSeries aircraft, the larger CS300 variant made a successful flight from the Mirabel airfield in Quebec today.

http://cseries.com/#/category/videos

The flight lasted five hours and reached an altitude of 41,000 feet at a speed of 255 knots (470 km/h). “It was an absolute privilege to fly the first flight of the CS300 airliner and I’m absolutely ecstatic with how well it handled. It’s a pilot’s aircraft and handled exactly as predicted by simulation,” said Capt. Litavniks. “Pilots will find it easy to transition from the CS100 to the CS300 aircraft or vice versa, which will greatly reduce training costs for operators using both models”.

Bombardier is creating the future with its CSeries aircraft — the only 100% new family of airliners specifically designed for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market.  Benefitting from a clean-sheet design that includes leading-edge technology and systems integration, advanced materials and latest generation aerodynamics, the CSeries aircraft offer a 15% cash operating cost advantage, a 20% fuel burn advantage, exceptional operational flexibility, widebody comfort and an unmatched environmental and noise footprint.

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 563 CSeries aircraft, which includes firm orders for 243.

The following link to a FlightGlobal magazine article is well-worth reading:

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-is-air-show-debut-a-make-or-break-moment-for-412630/

Aerospace 9 - Bombardier CSeries

“Okay;  Now, pay attention”.  The head master said at this morning’s assembly.

“John;  What are you doing?  Don’t do that”.  There was a slight smile.

“It has come to my attention ....”  He looked down at his notes.

I have received some comments regarding the potential success of Bombardier’s new CSeries aircraft, and I should point out that, since the aircraft’s first flight on the 16th September, 2013, (See my Blog of the same date) four CS100

http://berniesblazon.blogspot.ca/2013/09/aerospace-6-its-innovation.html

flight test vehicles have been built and are happily flying down in Wichita, US.  In fact, about 850 certification test hours have been amassed on the aircraft to date.  Another, larger, CS300 version has been completed, and should fly within the next few weeks, following various ground tests.  The final CS300 flight test vehicle is in construction and should be available soon.

http://cseries.com/cs300-all-fired-up/

There are still concerns that that orders are below the numbers anticipated at this stage which is making many financial analysts concerned, but as this is a totally new technology for the industry as a whole, that shouldn’t be too surprising

It will be a somewhat tense year.