Premium #207 – The Air Canada Order: Is it a Game Changer for C Series?

Bombardier had good news last week to go with its earnings call, announcing the same morning that Air Canada ordered 45 CS300 aircraft with an option for 30 additional aircraft. This is the first order for the program in a couple of years, and the first from a major North American network carrier. The question is whether this order is a game-changer for the C Series and provides additional impetus into the program, or whether this was a “home-town” order with some pressure and influence from the Quebec and Canadian governments, and shouldn’t be viewed as a level-playing field win.

Let’s take a quick review of the C Series program as it is approaching entry into service, and examine other examples of delayed and over-budget aircraft to see if past may be prologue.