NEWTOWN, Conn. - In its financial statement for the second quarter of 2014, the Swedish company Braathens Aviation said that it has informed Bombardier that it will not assume the role of formal launch operator of the new Bombardier CSeries jetliner aircraft. Braathens added that, due to increased uncertainty, "we are discussing other possible changes to the aircraft delivery schedule with Bombardier."
In announcing its decision, Braathens noted the engine fire experienced in May on a CSeries test aircraft, and claimed that the incident "may cause another delay to the CSeries introduction." However, Bombardier is currently sticking to its timetable of the second half of 2015 for service entry of the CS100 version of the CSeries, with the larger CS300 version following six months later.
It should be noted that Braathens is not canceling its CSeries orders, but is rather looking to defer deliveries of the aircraft. The airline ordered five CS100s and five CS300s in 2011, and also took options for an additional 10 aircraft. The aircraft are to be operated by Braathens' domestic subsidiary Malmo Aviation.
A Bombardier spokesman indicated that Malmo's decision regarding the CSeries accompanied a review of the carrier's overall business plan and the timing of when it would need to take delivery of the aircraft.
Bombardier is presently in discussions with other operators in order to find a replacement for Malmo as the launch operator of the CSeries, and has indicated that several airlines have shown interest in becoming the initial operator of the new aircraft. The company expects to make an announcement in due time.
The CSeries aircraft family consists of two basic models: the CS100 and the CS300. The CS100 can carry 108-125 passengers, while the CS300 can accommodate 130-160 passengers. As of June 30, 2014, Bombardier had orders for 203 CSeries aircraft, including 63 CS100s and 140 CS300s.
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