Transport Canada and EASA Award Steep Approach Certifications to Bombardier CS100 Aircraft

• Certifications follow the completion of steep approach demonstration flights at London City Airport in March
• The CS100 aircraft will offer new opportunities to airlines for operations at challenging airports around the world

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded the CS100 aircraft its steep approach certifications. The CS100 aircraft’s capability to operate at challenging airports such as London City (LCY) Airport was validated by Bombardier’s comprehensive flight test program. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be the first airline to operate the C Series at LCY Airport.

“The CS100 aircraft steep approach certification process went smoothly as the C Series is the only commercial aircraft specifically designed for operations at challenging airports,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The C Series has unparalleled capabilities no other aircraft in its category has – it will offer new possibilities for airlines wishing to operate at challenging airports around the world. The CS100 will also double the range that can be flown viably from LCY, opening new routes for airlines and passengers.”

“The latest technology in aural and head-up display systems on-board the CS100 aircraft is used by the crew during the approach and landing phases of flight,” added François Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer, Bombardier. “To be certified for operations at LCY, we had to show that the aircraft could perform at a greater approach angle, take-off and land on the airport’s short runway and meet the local noise requirements. Our crew successfully demonstrated as expected, the CS100 aircraft’s capability and maneuverability. The aircraft now joins our Q400 turboprop aircraft, as well as our Challenger 650, Global 5000 and Global 6000 business jets which already access this challenging airport regularly.”

“The C Series is a game-changer for the only London airport actually in London, and it’s fantastic news that one of the quietest and most fuel efficient commercial jets in its class has been granted regulatory approval. Bombardier’s next generation aircraft will unlock new routes which passengers, both business and leisure, will benefit from, with opportunities for non-stop services to destinations including the east coast of the USA, Russia, West Africa and the Middle East,” said Declan Collier, CEO of London City Airport. “Following the airport’s planned £350 million expansion project we hope the C Series will become a familiar sight at London City Airport and I look forward to welcoming the maiden SWISS C Series flight later in 2017.”

Successful validation flights at LCY Airport a few weeks ago, followed by a landmark direct flight from LCY to John F. Kennedy Airport demonstrated the CS100 aircraft’s exceptional capabilities. This first direct transatlantic flight by a commercial aircraft from LCY Airport confirms the C Series’ superior airfield performance and unparalleled flying autonomy from a short runway.

The CS100 aircraft is the most efficient and economical commercial aircraft. The C Series will allow airlines to viably offer direct intercontinental flights from LCY Airport to both North America as well as the Middle-East in addition to opening numerous new route opportunities within Europe, Russia and Northern Africa, which were not possible with previous-generation aircraft.   

With the lowest noise and emissions levels of any commercial aircraft in its class, the C Series aircraft is ideal for urban operations and noise-sensitive airports. The CS100 aircraft has a much lower noise footprint compared to other commercial jets, and provides a better quality environment for London residents as it is the quietest commercial aircraft in production.

The C Series aircraft is manufactured by the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership, an affiliate of the Bombardier Commercial Aircraft segment of Bombardier Inc.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, we posted revenues of $16.3 billion. News and information are available at  bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter  @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

Images of the aircraft at London City Airport are posted with this press release at  www.bombardier.com.

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For Information

Bryan Tucker
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
+1-450-476-5907
bryan.bca.tucker@aero.bombardier.com