Today’s order from Republic Airways for 40 firm and 40 options for the Bombardier CS300 is a big step forward in building the Canadian airframer’s backlog for the next generation narrow-body.
Though the order does not put to rest a lingering question about the 2013 entry into service of the CS100 – who will be the launch customer? Lufthansa/Swiss will be the second customer for the CS100, with LCI to follow in 2014. Republic’s first delivery wouldn’t be until the second quarter 2015. Eluding Bombardier is a true launch customer to take the sixth CS100 to come off the line after the five flight test aircraft.
Most importantly, the order provides Bombardier a first foothold into North America with this order potentially serving as the foundation for the fleets of Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines or even feeder fleets to Delta, United and US Airways. As a firm purchase order, Republic’s selection of the CSeries differs from that of the MRJ by Trans States Holdings, which has yet to be firmed and was signed without bids from Bombardier or Embraer.
Now with 90 firm orders, Bombardier is starting off 2010 strong, but the aircraft still has a ways to go to prove itself in the marketplace. Additionally, CSeries will have to fight its way forward if Airbus and Boeing re-engine the A320 and 737. In the face of what appears to be very real competitive action by Boeing and Airbus, Bombardier will have to navigate its way through a recovering economy and a marketplace playing wait-and-see on its future options.
REPUBLIC AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES ORDER FOR UP TO 80 BOMBARDIER CSERIES AIRCRAFT
Indianapolis, Feb. 25, 2010 – Republic Airways Holdings Inc. announced today it has signed a purchase agreement for 40 CS300 jets, part of the next-generation CSeries aircraft being developed by Bombardier. Republic also has options for up to an additional 40 aircraft. The aircraft, which will be configured in a single-cabin, with two-by-three seating for 138 passengers, including 25 STRETCH seats, is scheduled for delivery beginning in the second quarter of 2015.
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This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.