125-seat Bombardier CS300 almost ready for first flight - more orders in US?

[johnsonrod]

Obviously Bombardier has fumbled the ball big time with the CS100 and CS300 so late in their development. That said, the new CS300 (125 seat version) is "scheduled" to fly for the first time shortly and the 100-seat CS100 has accumulated more than 1,000 flight test hours. Again, late in the game.

Given that Republic will not be using their order for 40 CS300s due to scope violations, who do you think will scoop them up? UAL? DAL? Frontier is expanding so fast with new routes, maybe they could use the CS300 as was originally intended... Personally, I think the CS300 would fit in well between the 717 and the A320/737-800 at Delta.

Here's the CS300 update video from Bombardier:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYkx_Vi7lY

Even though fuel costs have gone down, I thought this efficiency/CASM comparison chart was interesting:

 

[johnsonrod]

Here's another recent update of the progress with some flying the C-Series simulator as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLxs9VfH0Y4

This is definitely a mainline-sized aircraft. Hope it provides mainline-sized wages for that size (i.e., 717, A319) as well.

 

[atpcliff]

The C has the best engine available, the Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbo Fan (GTF). It is different from a standard jet engine, in that it has a "transmission", for much greater efficiency.

The "C" can be easily stretched to seat well over 150 people, and provide competition to Boeing/Airbus. I think the plane will do really well.

I think of it as a small version of the 787, but much more efficient.

 

[Yuppyguppy]

UAL is rumored to get them. Rumor only

 

[xjhawk]

I am sure they want this to go to a regional.....but will ALPA cave?

 

[SIG600]

UAL is rumored to get them. Rumor only

Yeah, rumor is that the 40 republic can't take are going to be UAL's mainline SNB purchase they've been looking for. I hope it's true.

 

[johnsonrod]

Picking up the Republic order for 40 would work because they are also early delivery positions. Of course Bombardier actually has to finish the testing first. Looks like a very capable airplane. I recall reading in an article that Richard Anderson at Delta was also impressed and that the maintenance folks were psyched about the geared engines - but Delta would need to see the CS300 operating before even considering an order...

 

[kf4amu]

The C has the best engine available, the Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbo Fan (GTF). It is different from a standard jet engine, in that it has a "transmission", for much greater efficiency.

Sounds like a ducted turboprop to me

 

[booo]

Any idea what the thing over the maingear is at 7 seconds?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYkx_Vi7lY

 

[Furloughed80]

Any idea what the thing over the maingear is at 7 seconds?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYkx_Vi7lY

That was a full thrust engine run-up, so I am assuming it is some type of heavy duty wheel chock.

 

[Whine Lover]

NICE.

Shiny, NEW.

Let's fly 'em for $18.00 / Hr.

After all ...It's STILL just a "Regional Jet".

Right?





YKW

 

[jonjuan]

UAL is rumored to get them. Rumor only

Skywest?

 

[jonjuan]

Picking up the Republic order for 40 would work because they are also early delivery positions. Of course Bombardier actually has to finish the testing first. Looks like a very capable airplane. I recall reading in an article that Richard Anderson at Delta was also impressed and that the maintenance folks were psyched about the geared engines - but Delta would need to see the CS300 operating before even considering an order...

Cool story.

 

[jonjuan]

Wayyyyy tooooo expensive.......

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/6320453/

 

[johnsonrod]

Wayyyyy tooooo expensive.......

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/6320453/

C'mon Juan... We all know list price is merely a suggestion. Anyone can reduce the unit price with a volume order. Bombardier is probably willing to negotiate now even more for big orders considering its financial situation. Time will tell...

 

[johnsonrod]

Successful first flight of the CS300 today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wRwC7M2k30

Let's hope they can continue to make progress and get this thing certified. After the performance figures/estimates are verified hopefully they will get more orders. Again, time will tell..............

 

[SIG600]

Successful first flight of the CS300 today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wRwC7M2k30

Let's hope they can continue to make progress and get this thing certified. After the performance figures/estimates are verified hopefully they will get more orders. Again, time will tell..............

Bring 'em to mainline or let it be beer cans with the outgoing 50 seaters.

 

[sniper]

UAL is rumored to get them. Rumor only

All republics orders and 75 options

 

[johnsonrod]

Would be great if true - of course this assumes Bombardier actually gets the testing done... The specs on the CS300 relative to the E195 and even the A319 look impressive.

Here's an interesting article about the flight deck and how it was designed for pilots (description of the new FBW system is worth the read):

http://m.aviationweek.com/awin/bombardier-staff-help-design-cseries-flight-deck

 

[UALjan15]

The C-series is so far into mainline on every scope clause that it can't start at the small carriers and nibble away at scope clauses like Embrauer is trying to do with the E series. This means it has to go head to head with both Boeing and Airbus, and to win orders it needs to be demonstrably better. From what I've read, they've done it, but at great cost in $$ and delays. With 737 NG and A319 as competition, they look great. But the longer the delays, the closer we get to NEOs and MAXs, which will level the playing field.

I fear that Bombardier has misplayed this, and will have to rely on start-ups or other carriers not heavily vested in Boeing/Airbus. The product looks compelling, but can Bombardier afford to keep funding it until it is self-sufficient?