Swiss has conducted an initial pilot-familiarisation programme for the Bombardier CSeries at the manufacturer's facility in Montreal.
Some 12 pilots took part in the programme, which started in May. But it also included maintenance and operational staff, the airline and manufacturer disclosed during a joint press conference at Paris air show today.
The project comprised simulator flights and familiarisation with CSeries systems in classroom-based training and on test aircraft in the production facility.
This has enabled Swiss to develop its own training programme at its Zurich base and design operating manuals for the regional jet. Aside from a full-flight simulator, the airline will employ a cabin-emergency training device at its base.
Bombardier is showcasing its fifth flight-test aircraft in Swiss livery as part of the static display at the show. But the aircraft – which is equipped with a cabin interior – is scheduled to leave Le Bourget for a two-day visit to Zurich on 17 and 18 June, says Swiss's chief Harry Hohmeister.
With certification of the CS100 targeted by year-end, Swiss aims to take delivery of the initial aircraft during the first half of next year. Scheduled flights are to begin in "mid-2016", says Hohmeister.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
