Delta Air Lines will be the U.S. launch customer for Bombardier’s new C series jets with today’s order for 75 CS100 aircraft. According to Delta,
“The CS100 features a state-of-the-art interior with the largest windows in the single-aisle market, full-spectrum ambient lighting, seatback in-flight entertainment, in-flight Wi-Fi, high-capacity overhead bins and among the widest seats of any narrowbody aircraft in a customer-preferred two-by-three Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ configuration, as well as a two-by-two First Class layout.
Bombardier’s all-new, lightweight mainline aircraft will be deployed on short- to medium-haul routes throughout the airline’s network. As part of this transaction, Delta has options for 50 additional C Series aircraft and certain delivery flexibility rights including the ability to substitute the larger CS300 aircraft. The order means Delta will fly customers on more Bombardier aircraft than any other carrier.”
These aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1500G geared turbofan engines. New technology engines and use of composites should offer major fuel efficiency and Delta is expecting a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. With this order, Delta will cancel plans to add the E-190 aircraft to its fleet.
My Take
These new aircraft from Bombardier look very good on paper. Based on everything I’ve read about them, they promise to be a nice addition to the Delta fleet. But as with everything, it comes down to how the aircraft will be configured. With a 2 x 3 configuration in the back, these aircraft should feature wider seats than narrowbody Boeings making them much more comfortable in coach. With bigger and better placed windows, this aircraft could become a favorite among customers.
Notably, this order isn’t just good for Delta, it’s a big win for Bombardier, which hasn’t been selling very many of its new jets to U.S. airlines.
-MJ, April 28, 2016
