Delta Air Lines has confirmed that it placed an order for 75 fuel-efficient Bombardier C-Series CS-100 Aircraft, as part of its narrow body fleet renewal program, with an option for another 50 C-Series aircraft and flexibility to substitute the larger CS300 aircraft.
Delta becomes the U.S. launch customer for the aircraft, and this represents the largest order Bombardier has received for this aircraft model.
“As we reshape our fleet for the future, the innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming chief executive.
“These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance,” said Bastian.
Delta also announced that it “will no longer induct the [Embraer] E190 into its fleet as planned.”
Bombardier values the firm order, based on the list price for the CS100 aircraft, at approximately $5.6 billion US.
Reduced Environmental Impact
The CS100 is a NextGen aircraft built with composite materials, and designed to be 20% more fuel efficient than similar sized aircraft. It also effectively reduces noise and emissions.
“We are very proud to welcome Delta as a C Series customer and to expand our partnership with such a prestigious airline,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “Given Delta’s position as one of the world’s largest and most respected airlines, this deal is a strong endorsement of the C Series as the best performing aircraft in the 100-150 passenger class. The addition of Delta to our marquee C Series customer list gives us tremendous momentum as we approach entry-into-service this summer.”
Modern Interior Comforts
The Delta CS100 will feature a number of passenger cabin comforts like the largest windows of any single-aisle aircraft, full-spectrum ambient lighting, setback in-flight entertainment, in-flight Wi-Fi, high-capacity overhead bins and seats in a two-by-three Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ configuration, plus a two-by-two First Class layout.
The new CSAircraft will serve short- to medium-haul routes on Delta’s network.