Bombardier is poised to decide by next week whether to select its Mirabel, Quebec plant for final assembly of the CSeries or place the work with Kansas City in the US state of Missouri.

Bombardier confirms that Mirabel and Kansas City are now the only two sites under consideration for final assembly of the CSeries. Much is at stake for both cities as the work is expected to create up to 2,500 jobs. A decision is due by 15 July.

Montreal-area machinists at Bombardier have voted in favour of a labour contract agreement that is contingent on the airframer selecting their region for final assembly of the proposed 110/130-seat aircraft.

 CSeries
 © Bombardier

The six-year deal, which replaces a three-year pact that expires in November, includes yearly raises as well as a concession that permits Bombardier to employ up to 15% of its workforce on a contractual basis.

This allows the company to weather market fluctuations, says the company. "When the market is lower, we can adjust and when the market is stronger, we can adapt."

Missouri meanwhile has approved a $240 million tax credit programme that it hopes will persuade the manufacturer to build a $395 million CSeries assembly plant at Kansas City International airport.

Source: Flight International