Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has announced that its signed a firm purchase agreement to sell 40 CS300 jetliners to a wholly owned affiliate of Macquarie AirFinance.
Macquarie AirFinance will be leasing the CS300 jetliners to airline operators around the world. The aircraft will be delivered on a phased basis starting in 2017.
The CSeries aircraft is the only new family of airlines produced by Bombardier that is assigned for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market. Bombardier claims that the CS300 aircraft provide the best seat-mile cost in its category and a very profitable solution for mid-sized markets with up to 150 passengers per flight.
Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said the sale represents an expansion for the market of its new jetliner:
“Macquarie AirFinance’s selection of the CS300 aircraft is a strong endorsement of the aircraft type and we are looking forward to working with this unique lessor to expand the market for our 100%-new jetliner. We anticipate continued momentum in the CSeries aircraft program as we confirm our performance predictions for the aircraft.”
Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said:
“With its outstanding performance, transcontinental range, operating cost advantage, widebody comfort and cabin flexibility, the CS300 aircraft is tailor-made to meet the fleet replacement requirements of airlines and other operators around the world.”
Stephen Cook, Chairman of Macquarie AirFinance, commented:
“We welcome the addition of Bombardier’s CS300 to Macquarie AirFinance’s portfolio. This agreement is consistent with Macquarie AirFinance’s approach of seeking carefully considered transactions to expand the reach of our successful aircraft leasing business. The CS300 will allow us to offer our customers the only type of aircraft optimized for the upper end of the 100- to 150-seat market segment. Its advanced technologies, attractive economics and environmental attributes were key factors in our selection of the CS300 jetliner.”
In total Bombardier currently has orders and commitments for 563 CSeries aircraft, including orders for 243 CSeries airliners.