Bombardier's CSeries development plan calls for the Canadian manufacturer to focus on bringing the 110 model to market before the larger-capacity 130.
The 110-seat aircraft "has always been the first product we'd deliver", Bombardier commercial operations vice-president Rodney Williams says. "The 110 will be the first regardless of the customers."
The Pratt & Whitney GTF geared turbofan-powered CSeries family comprises the 110 and 130 as well as extended-range versions called the 110ER and 130ER. In addition, Bombardier plans to develop a short-range, high-thrust variant of the 130, dubbed the 130XT, which will allow customers that do not have a requirement for the long-range capability of the 130ER to take advantage of shorter runways or improved hot and high airfield performance associated with the full 23,300lb of thrust (100kN) from the GTF engine.
Bombardier launched the family on 13 July with a letter of interest from Lufthansa for up to 60 aircraft. The German carrier has not yet revealed if and how the deal will be divided among variants. The two sides are tying up the details, Bombardier management says.
Williams reiterates that Bombardier is "talking to Lufthansa every day" about firming up the order. However, the airframer is not discussing a timeline as to when it expects a firm deal to be announced.
In addition to Lufthansa, Bombardier is in discussions with Chinese operators and Middle Eastern carrier Qatar Airways for a CSeries firm order. In the Americas, Bombardier has not publicly revealed with whom it is in discussions. "The customers will come," says Bombardier.
Williams says Bombardier has seen "some interest" from the marketplace in a business jet based on the CSeries, but says that will "probably be later in the programme" as Bombardier is now focused on providing the CSeries to airlines.
The CSeries is expected to enter into service in 2013.
Source: Flight International
