Bombardier's C Series Plane Takes First Maiden Flight

Bombardier's C Series plane wings, which were developed, designed and manufactured in Belfast, have taken flight for the first time today, 15 July.

The C Series aircraft, which had been on display at the Farnborough Air Show this week, departed Zurich for Paris de Gaulle on its first maiden flight for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS).

Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: "We salute SWISS on the CS100 aircraft's successful entry-into-service and thank the airline for its outstanding support to the C Series aircraft program.

"We also congratulate all the employees and suppliers who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this great milestone. It is an outstanding achievement and continues to build the momentum for the C Series aircraft program. 


"The launch of revenue service with the CS100 aircraft is a fitting culmination to this year's Farnborough Airshow, and follows Bombardier Commercial Aircraft's strong sales performance in the first half of 2016 during which we obtained firm orders for 127 C Series, 19 CRJ and 15 Q400 aircraft – including orders from Porter Airlines and All Nippon Airways each of which ordered an additional three Q400 aircraft as disclosed during the airshow. The capture of these 161 firm orders in six months signals Bombardier's intent to re-assert itself as a strong leader in commercial aviation."

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, said: "This success affirms Northern Ireland's critical role in the successful execution of the C Series programme spanning a period of eight years since its launch at Farnborough Air Show in 2008.

"The certification and commercialisation of this aircraft represents a major success story for Bombardier in Northern Ireland and its local supply chain, which has a strong international reputation for quality, on-time delivery and competitiveness."

(CD/JP)