AeroBD | The AERO news Company…Montréal, November 8, 2015 :

•    CS100 function and reliability (F&R) test aircraft starts flights
•    F&R testing will include approximately 15 city pairs in Canada and over 20 in the U.S. before moving on to Europe
•    C Series flight test vehicles have completed more than 1,000 flights and CS100 aircraft is in final stage of flight testing leading to certification

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that the CS100 aircraft flight test program is close to 100 per cent complete. Only a few tests remain to be completed and Bombardier is on track to have the aircraft certified this year with Transport Canada. Bombardier also announced that function and reliability (F&R) testing on the C Series aircraft   commenced with a four-leg flight yesterday by the CS100 F&R test aircraft. The first F&R flight, which started and ended in Mirabel, Québec, included stops in Moncton, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia and St-John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The F&R test flights, which will be conducted using typical airline flight routings and operational procedures, are scheduled to include approximately 15 city pairs in Canada and 20 in the U.S, then will take place in Europe.

“The success of this historic C Series aircraft test program is a testament to the hard work and dedication from the teams that designed, developed, built and tested the C Series aircraft over the last few years,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We’re proud to be moving into the entry-in-service and production phase as we look to deliver the aircraft in the first half of 2016 to SWISS – a customer that has been with the program from the beginning. Congratulations to all involved.”

“With our flight test program almost 100 per cent complete and all the high-risk CS100 aircraft’s flight tests behind us, teams are now finalizing the last few certification activities,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Following more than 1,000 flights conducted by the C Series flight test vehicles, the F&R flights will give a really good indication of how the C Series aircraft will perform in a typical airline schedule to and from different airports in Canada and the U.S.

“Airfield performance, landings, airport turnarounds and on-ground operations are just some of the important characteristics that will be observed during the F&R testing,” added Mr. Dewar.

About the Function and Reliability Test Aircraft
The function and reliability (F&R) test aircraft is not a flight test vehicle, rather it was built to represent an airline-configured aircraft with various seating options and configurations. It is expected to undergo worldwide F&R testing and will be showcased in Bombardier’s house livery as it conducts the tests over the next few weeks starting in North America, followed by Europe.

About C Series Aircraft
The C Series family of aircraft, representing the fusion of performance and technology, is a 100 per cent all-new design that offers operators potential savings of between US$ 7.5 to 12 million per aircraft. By focusing on the 100- to 150-seat market segment, Bombardier has designed the C Series aircraft to deliver unparalleled economic advantage to operators and to open up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operations.

All noise performance testing on the CS100 aircraft has been completed and data confirms it is the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. The aircraft’s noise performance and its outstanding short-field capability make it ideal for varied types of operations. The C Series aircraft’s maximum range has also been confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted. The aircraft is delivering more than a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to in-production aircraft, and a greater than 10 per cent advantage compared to re-engined aircraft. The C Series aircraft will also emit 50 per cent fewer NOX emissions than the CAEP 6* NOX emission standards. In addition to delivering best-in-class economics with the C Series aircraft, Bombardier has placed considerable emphasis on cabin design to ensure an excellent passenger experience. The C Series aircraft’s larger seats, overhead bins and windows create a widebody feel that offers passengers unparalleled comfort.

The CS100 and CS300 aircraft have over 95 per cent parts commonality, as well as the same type rating. The groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine, combined with advanced aerodynamics, delivers reduced fuel burn, noise and emissions, increasing the aircraft’s environmental and social compatibility. Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 603 C Series aircraft, which include firm orders for 243.

About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.