With a tentative entry into service date of 2013, Bombardier president aircraft services and new commercial aircraft programme, Gary Scott, outlined his vision for the mid-range machine at a Belfast media briefing today (1 May).
”What is really key when you launch a new aircraft is that it”s real game changer,” he said, adding: ”It can”t be a me-too product and you can”t come to the dance with what is already available ” what you need is a full family and not an orphan.”
Scott stressed the ”clear need” for the C series to offer 15% better economy than its competitors and that although airlines enjoyed the kudos of having the keys to a brand new launch, they were wary of ”breaking the aircraft in.”
”The aircraft has to roll straight out of the box, be short-haul and long-haul, as well as land at difficult airports to add value to the airline,” he said. ”We have been evolving the C series, fine tuning the fuselage and wing, reducing weight by 2,500lbs (1,134kg) and realising that new engine technology will be available in 2013, has shifted our service entry date from 2010 to 2013.”
Scott added that the final technology and engines would be decided on this year and that dialogue with customers would continue on the programme.