A New Bombardier Jet Draws Only Tepid Demand

[NM]

This is the first aircraft to use the new GTF (Geared Turbo Fan) engine fro P&W. Promising 20% less fuel burn. And given the 100-149 seat target market, they could be a very attractive aircraft to replace fleets of MD80 or even 737 aircraft. And given that Boeing and Airbus are not going to have their next generation sing-aisle aircraft designed for several more years, it quite conceivable Bombardier could have a 5 year jump on the other big two manufacturers. They need to convince the airlines that they need to spend money to save money, and they they can deliver on the promised efficiencies.

See here for a press article from New York Times.

FARNBOROUGH, England — With jet fuel prices soaring, and airlines desperate to save on operating costs, Bombardier’s new 100-seat jet might seem an easy sell.

Bombardier is promoting the plane, which it introduced Sunday on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow, as 20 percent more efficient than competing aircraft, with a roomy passenger cabin outfitted to resemble the interior of a private jet.

 

[NM]

See here for a press release from Bombardier.

Bombardier today announced that its Board of Directors has granted approval for the launch of the CSeries family of aircraft, a new game-changing five abreast commercial airliner family, with the economics, performance, environmental and passenger-oriented improvements demanded by airline customers for the next quarter century. Entry into service is scheduled for 2013.

Launch customer, Lufthansa, a leading German airline, has signed a letter of interest (LOI) for up to 60 aircraft, including 30 options. The approximate list price of each aircraft is $46.7 million US. Additionally, discussions with a number of established airlines worldwide are progressing well.

 

[JohnK]

Good news for Bombardier. Would be interesting to see the type of demand the new Cseries generates.