Air Canada believes the Bombardier CS300s it intends to purchase will cost 10% less to operate per seat than types the CSeries will replace, contributing to the carrier's streamlining initiatives.
"The entry of the CSeries into our fleet is expected to yield significant cost savings," says the carrier. It foresees that projected per-seat fuel burn and maintenance cost savings of "greater than 15%" will cut cost per available seat-mile by "approximately 10%".
Air Canada disclosed today that it had signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 75 CS300s powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G powerplants.
Though not a firm commitment, the LOI envisions 45 firm orders and 30 options for additional orders, with deliveries running from late 2019 to 2022, says the airline.
The first 25 of those aircraft will replace Air Canada's Embraer 190s, with additional aircraft supporting expansion from the carrier's hubs, it adds.
The CSeries deal comes as Air Canada continues divesting its E190s. The carrier had 37 E190s in its fleet at the end of 2015, but expects to have just 25 at the end of 2017, a regulatory filing indicates.
"The CSeries purchase is subject to completion of final documentation and satisfaction of certain other closing conditions precedent," says Air Canada of the deal.
"The renewal of our North American narrowbody fleet with more-capable and efficient aircraft is a key element of our ongoing cost transformation programme," adds Air Canada chief executive Calin Rovinescu.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
