Bombardier announced the delivery of the first CS300 aircraft to launch operator airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia. The CS300 is the larger variant of Bombardier’s all new C Series aircraft, which is designed to carry between 130 and 150 passengers. The handover to airBaltic comes just five months after the successful entry into service of the CS100 variant of the C Series.
“We are thrilled to be taking home the first CS300 aircraft – the newest member of the most innovative and technologically advanced family of airliners in the world,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. “With its longer range capabilities, lower fuel burn and reduced noise emissions compared to other airliners in its segment, the CS300 aircraft will enable airBaltic to open new routes and connect people all across Europe, while offering passengers an unparalleled in-flight experience.
“We congratulate airBaltic, the first airline in the world to operate the CS300 aircraft, for its forward-thinking vision. We thank them for their partnership and long-standing support and wish them continued success” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Wherever the C Series aircraft takes to the skies, it will be an ambassador for Bombardier and a symbol of Canadian innovation and achievement as the most technologically advanced aircraft for the 100- to 150-seat market segment.”
“The delivery of the first CS300 aircraft is a major milestone and is the culmination of dedicated hard work and collaboration by thousands of employees, partners and suppliers. I congratulate the entire team for their commitment to the C Series aircraft program and for their perseverance in making this day possible,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
”It is with pride that I acknowledge this significant, symbolic delivery, which once again confirms Québec’s judicious decision to act as Bombardier’s partner in the development and the industrialization of C Series aircraft. Indeed, Bombardier, which contributes $8.5 billion to Québec’s gross domestic product, equivalent to 2% of the province’s economy, is not only a key stakeholder in the Québec aerospace industry but is also generating substantial spinoff for the Québec economy overall,” Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy Dominique Anglade noted.
The maiden commercial flight of airBaltic’s first CS300 aircraft, which will take passengers from Riga to Amsterdam, is scheduled for December 14, 2016. We plan to have more detailed report from Riga.
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Here is the nice video made on this occasion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j52Ni1h63DY