Farnborough Air Show: Bombardier launches CSeries with Lufthansa as launch customer

15 July 2008

Bombardier launched its ambitious CSeries aircraft programme at the Farnborough Air Show, saying that launch customer Lufthansa had signed a "letter of interest" for 30 of these aircraft, along with 30 options. The aircraft will be powered by the new Pratt & Whitney GTF engine and will be priced at $46.7 million. (See: Launch presentation of Bombardier CSeries Aircraft)

The Lufthansa order, if fully exercised, will be worth $2.8 billion. Entry into service for these aircraft is slated for 2013.

Bombardier president and CEO, Pierre Beaudoin, noted that the German flag carrier was also the launch customer for the popular 50-seat CRJ200. As for now, he said, the company was in active discussions with a number of prospective customers for the aircraft.

Lufthansa senior VP-corporate fleet, Nico Buchholz, said the aircraft would be used for both fleet replacement and expansion. The carrier was yet to make up its mind about the version - 110 or130 seat - that it would opt for. Officials from both companies indicated that the deal would likely be finalized by year end.

The CSeries project is aimed at transforming the Bombardier group's operations. By 2017-18, when the programme reaches peak production levels, the aircraft could likely add $5bn of annual turnover to the group.

Bombardier has reported sales of $17.5 billion for the last financial year, ending January 2008.