Today, Airbus formally unveiled the rebranded CSeries. A few months ago, Airbus bid to purchase the CSeries from Bombardier. The move was seen as a measure for the aircraft manufacturer to enter the 100-125 seat market after their unsuccessful A318. Bombardier had been struggling to get orders for the aircraft, and then the US government slapped tariffs on the aircraft, making it even more difficult for them. Airbus likely saved the program and gave it long term viability. Today, the CSeries was reborn. Meet the Airbus A220.
Airbus A220: Cute Name
I found the name of the aircraft really cute. Since most of Airbus’ aircraft are named A3XX, the A220 represents a younger brother to the other aircraft. In a way, it is, too. The A220 is meant for short haul routes, compete with the Embraer E-Jets, and replace the few A318s and 737-600s left out there. Airbus used this branding in order to provide both commonality between its successful aircraft as well as market them as a smaller than the A3XXs.Some people speculated that they would be called A316 and A317, and although I found this name adorable, I feel it would not match the criteria of their A318-A321 models. The CSeries has a different fuselage style, and is organized in a 2×3 configuration, opposed to the 3×3 of the A318-A321.
Airbus A220: Sick Burn
For a moment I was convinced that the name was simply cute and direct. I was convinced it didn’t have a hidden meaning. Boy was I surprised when I opened Twitter. A Twitter User noted that the original plan of the US government to slap tariffs on the plane added a 220% tax. COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT!!! Airbus just dealt the US a sick burn, and did it so elegantly and professionally that I have to admire them. In the end, the tariff was raised to 292% (WHAT THE) but it was overturned. The aircraft will have a fighting chance to make it in the US market. I’m a big supporter of Boeing, but wow, great job Airbus.
Landing Thoughts:
I can’t wait to try the CSeries, er um, I mean the Airbus A220. It seems like a really nice ride, and people have been raving about its comfort. I know the most likely candidate for me to try the aircraft is Delta, once they have the plane delivered, but SWISS and airBaltic also fly the jet. The rebranding was brilliant, and I applaud Airbus for originality.
Bombardier supposedly offered the plane to Delta at a price below 20 million dollars U.S. That’s below its cost. Thus, it was dumping just like foreign countries selling excess steel & aluminum here while more at home or elsewhere. Don’t believe me? Take a look at their other aircraft; their smallest RJ is listed at a price nearly double that of the C-Series. Further, the purchase and move to AL was to avoid the tariffs. If you want to lose money on a sale to a U.S. company by a U.S. company, you’re free to do so.
If the plane is planned for Alabama production, why the tariffs?
HI Chris, thanks for reading!
I am not sure, I never understood how the tariffs would work. I’m not a tax expert (yet lol) but there had to be some way they would add tariffs to the manufacture of the aircraft. If you know, or any reader knows, please share your insight! I’d appreciate it!
Best,
The Millennial Traveler
Aribus or Airbus? Who wants to read an article with typos in the freaking headline
Hi James! Thanks for reading and editing your previous comment! I appreciate the feedback and it has been updated. Thanks for the feedback!
Aribus or Airbus? Typo in the first word of the article. Who can read such illiterate garbage with typos in the freaking headline.
Hi James, thanks for reading! I’ll change the typo ASAP, thanks for noticing my honest mistake!
Best,
The Millennial Traveler
Sorry , but airbus was getting government support that USA aircraft manufacturers do not get from the USA government.
Hi Pam,
Thanks for reading. Although Airbus is a multi-national corporation, the original intent of the tariffs were against the Series, while it was owned by Bombardier. Airbus’ purchase was in order to save the program. Boeing is also heavily subsidized from the US federal government and the governments of South Carolina and Washington State. Hope this clarifies!
Best,
The Millennial Traveler