Airbus and Bombardier closed their C Series agreement after receiving the necessary approvals. The integration of the plane family in Airbus’ catalogue will become effective from July 1, 2018.
Airbus is to acquire a majority stake in the Société en commandite Avions C Series (SCAS), a joint venture which was originally created by Bombardier and Investissement Québec.
SCAS is in charge of the production of the CS100 and CS300, two regional airliners with a capacity of respectively 120 and 140 seats in standard configuration. The C Series company expects to benefit from Airbus global reach to boost the sales of its planes. The plant is based in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, and currently employs 2.200 people. Another assembly line is expected to be created in Mobile, Alabama, United States, where Airbus already owns a facility for the American market.
In 2017, 17 C Series aircraft were delivered. Bombardier and Airbus expect to increase that output in the years to come, with a goal of 40 planes delivered in 2018. The C Series family currently has a backlog of 115 CS100s and 258 CS300s orders. The last order was placed on May 28, 2018, by airBaltic for 30 CS300s with an order for 30 more. Following the officialization of the partnership, new contracts are expected, most likely during Farnborough International Airshow in July 2018, when the C Series will be presented for the first time as part of Airbus catalogue. The European manufacturer estimates that 6.000 aircraft will be needed in that market segment over the next 20 years.