CSeries launch operator Swiss has converted 10 of its 30 firm CS100 orders to the larger CS300, manufacturer Bombardier confirms.
The original 30-unit purchase agreement, signed by Swiss parent Lufthansa, was disclosed in 2009.
"With its size and its low operating costs, the CS300 aircraft ideally complements the CS100 aircraft and the rest of our European fleet," says Swiss's chief executive Harry Hohmeister. "With both versions of the new CSeries family of aircraft in our ranks, we can be highly flexible in tailoring capacity to demand on our European routes."
Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier's commercial aircraft division, asserts that the decision by Swiss "exemplifies the benefits of operating a family of aircraft". The CS100, he says, "provides the extraordinary field performance needed for operations at some very challenging airports", while the CS300 offers "outstanding economics".
Flight testing of the CSeries – which is making its air show debut at Paris – began in September 2013. The initial CS100 version is to enter service with Swiss next year.
Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 603 CSeries aircraft, 243 of them firm.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
