Montreal-based aerospace manufacturer Bombardier is delaying the launch of its new C Series. The company now says it expects the CS100 will go into service in the second half of 2015 and the CS300 will go into service about six months after that.
A review following the C Series inaugural flight on Sept. 16, 2013 revealed that the flight testing would take longer than planned.
“We are taking the required time to ensure a flawless entry-into-service. We are very pleased that no major design changes have been identified, this gives us confidence that we will meet our performance targets,” Bombardier Commercial Aircraft President Mike Arcamone said in a news release.
Although the setback was widely expected it does stand to cause a backlash, slowing the pace of orders from airlines.
Bombardier maintains its initial targets, including a firm 300 orders prior to “entry-into-service”. On Thursday Bombardier announced a $1.2 billion dollar deal with Al Qahtani Aviation co., operator of SaudiGulf Airlines, for 16 new C Series planes.
“While the process has taken more time than we had expected, our suppliers are aligned with the program’s schedule and together, we will continue to work closely to move the program steadily forward,” said Bombardier spokesperson Marc Duchesne in a press release.
