The company confirmed that, pending optimal weather conditions, the CS300 aircraft’s first flight is expected to occur at the end of February 2015. The inaugural flight follows last week’s receipt of a Transport Canada flight permit allowing the first CS300 flight test vehicle to join the flight test program and the successful high speed taxi runs conducted in the since the new year.
“I’m thrilled to confirm the countdown to the CS300 aircraft’s first flight is officially on and as excitement builds, our teams are readying for yet another milestone in the development of the CSeries family of aircraft,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We look forward to a successful flight and invite everyone to follow us as we continue on our mission to deliver the only 100% new family of aircraft.
The CS300 aircraft represents two-thirds of our CSeries aircraft backlog and it offers the best seat-mile cost in its category, making it the most profitable solution for mid-sized markets with up to 150 passengers per flight, and ideal for a range of routes from short-haul to longer transcontinental markets.”