Bombardier News

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Petra Airlines Ltd. of Amman, Jordan has signed a Letter Of Intent (LOI) to acquire up to four CS100 and CS300 airliners. Should the LOI be converted to a firm purchase agreement, the transaction would include two firm-ordered CS100 aircraft and two options for CS300 aircraft. Based on list prices, a firm order for two CS100 aircraft would be valued at approximately $136.5 million US, increasing to $298.4 million if the two options for CS300 aircraft are converted to firm orders. Petra Airlines, based at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, began as a charter carrier and became a scheduled airline in 2012. It serves destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

“As Jordan’s low-cost carrier, we require the most efficient and most economical aircraft available,” said Riad Khashman, Chief Executive Officer, Petra Airlines. “That meant Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft. CSeries jetliners have built-in operational flexibility which will allow us to tailor them to meet our specific needs. They’re quiet, they have an unmatched environmental footprint and their widebody comfort will be appealing to our passengers.”

“The CS100 and CS300 aircraft can benefit operators in many ways,” said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The CS100 aircraft is ideal for city-centre and hot-and-high airfield operations, while the CS300 airliner is the most profitable solution for mid-size markets, with up to 150 passengers per flight.”

CSeries orders really tallying from the Farnborough International Airshow.

Bombardier's Q400 NextGen in the extra-capacity configuration takes to the skies for its first flight from the Toronto Site on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Bombardier Aerospace today completed a successful week at the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow having announced firm orders, conditional purchase agreements and letters of intent for a total of 74 aircraft, valued at more than $4.25 billion US should all commitments be converted to firm orders.

“It has been a great week for Bombardier at the Farnborough Airshow, and I’m very pleased with the momentum we’re building across our entire product portfolio. Our discussions with customers have progressed, and we were very pleased to make a number of announcements,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “Throughout the week, our customers have repeatedly demonstrated their confidence in our products, and our presence at the show has given us an opportunity to further our relationships with many of our key stakeholders.”

Bombardier Aerospace announced the completion of another milestone in the execution of its Strategic Technology program for civil aviation and a first in the aerospace industry – a non-temperature restricted Bleedless Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) starting test, following a 10-hour cold soak at -40°F and using a starter/generation system and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system. Microturbo (Safran), the leader of this technology, is responsible for providing the global unrestricted e-APU system, including a starter generator and power electronics provided by Thales and Li-ion battery system, which is provided by Saft. All prototype equipment was designed for business jet applications.

The tests were successfully conducted at the Turbomeca (Safran) cold chamber facility, located in Pau, France, in April 2014. The key benefits of this new technology include reduced fuel burn and emissions due to a reduced bill of materials and lower weight, a longer APU life and unrestricted operation at extremely low temperatures. It will also simplify the aircraft manufacturing and assembly processes and lead to reduced maintenance costs for customers.

“The development of innovative, environmentally responsible products is at the core of our strategic priorities,” said Francois Caza, Vice President and Chief Engineer, Bombardier Aerospace. “This complex, multi-system integration test reaffirms Bombardier’s commitment to the advancement of aviation technology. It is part of a comprehensive technology development program covering various areas, including advanced systems, structures, aerodynamics and manufacturing methods.”

“We tested the systems in extreme conditions, including robustness with end of life battery and reached a critical milestone for technology readiness level 5,” said Dr. Fassi Kafyeke, Director, Advanced Design and Strategic Technologies, Bombardier Aerospace.

“The demonstration of a well-integrated, unrestricted e-APU system, with a starter generator, power electronics and Li-ion battery system, is a progression towards a ‘More Electric Aircraft’ that will have electrical power as a primary and more efficient means to operate systems and use Li-ion improved power density to allow for unrestricted starting,” said Avraham Ardman, Lead, More Electrical Aircraft project, Bombardier Aerospace.

Struggling with long delays in its CSeries airliner, Bombardier has announced it will change its business structure and cut 1,800 jobs, with the head of its aerospace division to retire. The Montreal-based company is splitting its aerospace unit into three segments focused on business aircraft, commercial aircraft and aerostructures and engineering services. The three units, along with Bombardier's rail-industry focused transportation unit, will all have separate heads reporting directly to chief executive Pierre Beaudoin.

As part of the moves, Bombardier Aerospace President and Chief Operating Officer Guy Hachey will retire. His retirement is the latest senior departure from the CSeries programme. Last year, Bombardier replaced Chet Fuller, head salesman for the CSeries. Gary Scott, head of Bombardier's commercial plane unit and a champion of the CSeries, retired in 2011. "Stability is important for an aircraft programme, and they haven't been very good at all about stability," said aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia of Teal Group.

The revamp means 1,800 aerospace jobs would be eliminated, Bombardier spokeswoman Isabelle Rondeau said. Bombardier had 76,400 employees at the end of 2013 of which 37,400 worked in the aerospace division, she said. The job cuts are in addition to reductions announced in January when Bombardier said it would cut 1,700 aerospace jobs. The company has been pushing to preserve cash after costly setbacks in the development of the CSeries.

Wednesday's shakeup comes as Bombardier continues to work on the issues that have delayed the CSeries. The new jet family is meant to crack the 100- to 149-seat market and pits the company against industry giants Boeing and Airbus. Bombardier has touted the CSeries jet's superior fuel and operating efficiency but has faced a number of obstacles and delays, including an engine failure that grounded its test aircraft in May. "The new aerospace organisational structure will enable us to be more agile and flexible in addressing customer needs, while increasing our focus on growth areas," Beaudoin said in a statement.

The company said the new structure will be in place by January 1.

Bombardier surprised many analysts and investors by securing a sizeable number of orders for the CSeries at Farnborough, despite the aircraft not making an appearance at the airshow. The company said its new aerostructures and engineering unit will specialise in the design and development of composite and metallic aerostructures in all classes of civil aircraft and all categories of structure, including fuselages and wings.

(Reuters)

Enhanced CRJ900 NextGen aircraft from Bombardier.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Calgary-based WestJet Encore Ltd. has signed a firm purchase agreement for five Q400 NextGen airliners. This transaction is a conversion of a batch of five options booked by the carrier’s parent company WestJet and follows the first conversion of five option aircraft announced on March 27, 2014, bringing the number of option aircraft exercised to 10. The initial total of 25 option aircraft was part of the original contract announced on August 1, 2012 that included WestJet’s firm order for 20 Q400 NextGen airliners. Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGen airliner, the transaction announced today is valued at approximately $167 million US.

Bombardier at LABACE 2014

http://www.bombardierlabace2014.com.br/

Another Bombardier executive has left the company, the latest move following a major restructuring announcement last month involving its aerospace division. Montreal-based Bombardier, which has struggled with long delays and slow orders for its new CSeries airliner, has appointed Ross Mitchell to replace, Philippe Poutissou, who left earlier this week. A spokesman said Mitchell is assuming the role of vice president of business acquisitions, effective immediately. Poutissou was vice president of marketing for the commercial aircraft division.

The move comes less than a month after Bombardier said it will cut 1,800 jobs and split its aerospace division into three separate units that report directly to chief executive Pierre Beaudoin: business aircraft, commercial aircraft and aerostructures and engineering services. "Since then, there's been a lot of movement within the company," said spokesman Marc Duchesne. "There could be more." Aerospace President Guy Hachey, often the face of the CSeries, also retired at the time of the restructuring announcement in July.

Last year, Bombardier replaced Chet Fuller, head salesman for the CSeries. Gary Scott, head of Bombardier's commercial plane unit and a champion of the CSeries, retired in 2011. Bombardier hopes the CSeries, which claims superior operating and fuel efficiencies, will win a reasonable portion of the 100- to 149-seat jet market, but many airlines are taking a wait-and-see stance as it undergoes flight tests.

The new jet family will compete with the smaller aircraft made by Boeing and Airbus. It was supposed to enter commercial service around the end of 2013, but it is now due in the second half of 2015. The CSeries has been grounded since late May following an engine failure. The company has repeatedly said the test planes will resume flying in the "coming weeks", but on Tuesday, Duchesne only said that Bombardier was still working with Pratt & Whitney and that things were going well and "moving in the right direction."

(Reuters)

Bombardier Appoints New President of Aerostructures & Engineering Services

Bombardier Inc. announced the appointment of Jean Séguin as President, Bombardier Aerostructures & Engineering Services. In his new functions, Mr. Séguin will oversee the activities of this new business segment specializing in the design and development of complex composite and metallic aerostructures. He will report directly to Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.

Bombardier Delivers its First 86-Seat Q400 NextGen Aircraft to Bangkok-Based Nok Air

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Nok Air of Bangkok, Thailand announced today the delivery of the carrier’s first Q400 NextGen turboprop at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the aircraft is manufactured. The milestone aircraft, the first Q400 NextGen airliner to be delivered in the new extra capacity seating configuration, is part of Nok Air’s purchase agreement for up to eight Q400 NextGen airliners that was announced on November 19, 2013. Following the exercise of options and purchase rights, Nok Air has firm orders for six Q400 NextGen aircraft and retains two purchase rights from the original contract. The extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft, the only commercial turboprop available today to offer 86 seats, provides an overall operating seat cost advantage of up to 17 per cent compared to its closest turboprop competitor.

“We are very excited to not only be the first to operate the Q400 NextGen turboprop in Thailand, but also the launch operator for the extra capacity seating configuration,” said Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer, Nok Air. “We always aim to lead through continuous innovation to offer our passengers an unsurpassed experience, and our new Q400 NextGen aircraft will enable us to serve more passengers comfortably and conveniently, as well as expand to new destinations profitably.”

“With the lowest seat-mile costs in the short-haul regional market and unmatched operational flexibility, the Q400 NextGen turboprop is the ideal complement to Nok Air’s growth strategy,” said Frank Baistrocchi, Regional Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are confident that Nok Air will successfully showcase the flexibility and adaptability of the extra capacity Q400 NextGen aircraft as it makes point-to-point regional air service more accessible to an increased number of travelers in the region.”

The NOK Air Q400

Bombardier to resume CSeries flight tests in early September

Bombardier Inc. is expected to resume flight testing for the CSeries in early September after months of delays, a development that could boost its shares, says AltaCorp Capital. The CSeries was grounded in late May after an engine fire and has not flown since, raising concerns that Bombardier would be forced to further delay the jet’s entry-into-service date. AltaCorp analyst Chris Murray said new, revised engines from Pratt & Whitney continue to be delivered to Bombardier and installed on the first four flight-test vehicles. Bombardier has been saying flight tests would resume “in the coming weeks” almost since the engine fire first occurred, but

Mr. Murray said it appears those tests are finally just around the corner. “We believe a resumption of flight testing and further clarifications from the company could provide a catalyst for share prices,” he said in a note. The company said it still expects the smaller version of the CSeries to enter into service by the second half of 2015, but Mr. Murray said any further delays could push that into 2016. Bombardier’s financial performance has troughed and should steadily improve over the coming years, he said, adding that its valuation discount relative to its peers offers a “highly attractive entry point.” AltaCorp rates Bombardier as outperform with a $5.50 price target.

Bombardier Challenger 350 business jet receives EASA Certification.

Bombardier's troubled aerospace business faces more upheaval as Malmo Aviation backed out as the first customer to start commercial flights with its new CSeries jet. Malmo Aviation, owned by Sweden's Braathens Aviation, was due to be the first CSeries customer to take delivery of the new aircraft in the second half of 2015, but the airline said on Friday that will no longer be the case. It cited worries about further delays after a May engine failure grounded the test aircraft.

"It has subsequently emerged that this may cause another delay to the CSeries introduction," Braathens said in its second-quarter 2014 report. "We have informed Bombardier that we will not assume the role of formal launch operator of the aircraft type." Braathens said due to the increased uncertainty, it was in discussion with Bombardier about other possible changes to the delivery schedule. The Swedish firm has ordered 10 CSeries aircraft.

"Per the original contract the first CS100 should have been delivered by now - mid 2014," Geir Stormorken, a spokesman for Braathens said. Bombardier spokesman Marc Duchesne said Malmo notified the company of its intentions several days ago. Bombardier hopes the CSeries, which claims superior operating and fuel efficiencies, will win a good portion of the 100- to 149-seat jet market, but many airlines are taking a wait-and-see stance as it undergoes flight tests.

The Montreal-based plane maker has restructured its aerospace division recently to cut costs and help address delays in the CSeries. The ambitious multi-billion dollar CSeries gives the Canadian plane and train maker a foothold in the larger commercial airliner segment, pitting it against the smaller planes made by Boeing and Airbus. Bombardier has said test flights would resume "in the coming weeks" without giving a specific time frame. Some analysts and industry experts expect the test planes to fly in early September.

Duchesne said the engine incident would not defer deliveries and that the CSeries was still on track to go to customers in the second half of 2015, the current entry-into-service time frame. But with the planes grounded and only a modest number of flying hours under its belt, speculation has increased that it could be closer to the end of 2015, possibly early 2016.

(Reuters)

Update on the previous article...

Braathens Aviation, the Swedish carrier that backed out last week as the first CSeries operator, said on Wednesday it will not cancel its order for Bombardier's new airliner following speculation it may do so after multiple delays. "We have a firm delivery contract with Bombardier. So we are fully committed," said spokesman Geir Stormorken in an email.

Malmo Aviation, owned by Sweden's Braathens Aviation, was due to be the first CSeries customer to take delivery of the new jet sometime in the second half of 2015, but the airline said last week that will no longer be the case. The carrier, which has firm orders for 10 CSeries aircraft, expressed concerns about further delays after a May engine failure grounded test flights.

"Per the original contract the first CS100 should have been delivered by now - mid 2014," Stormorken said last week. Bombardier hopes the new aircraft, which claims superior operating and fuel efficiencies, will win a sizeable portion of the 100- to 149-seat jet market, but many airlines are taking a wait-and-see stance.

(Reuters)

Learjet 70 and 75 gain EASA certification, more on this in the press release.

Bombardier Business Aircraft will be the launch business aircraft manufacturer for Honeywell Aerospace’s (NYSE: HON) JetWave Ka-Band satellite connectivity system. Honeywell’s JetWave hardware exclusively supports Inmarsat’s forthcoming Jet ConneX* (JX) service which, when it goes live in 2015, will provide business jet passengers with high-speed, in-flight connectivity virtually anywhere in the world. Bombardier will be the first business aviation manufacturer to equip JetWave and plans to offer the technology across the Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 platforms. A retrofit offering will also be available for all Global aircraft currently in service.

“With JetWave securing the backing of a leading business jet manufacturer in Bombardier, we celebrate a major milestone in the evolution of business aircraft connectivity,” said Brian Sill, president, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “The industry is showing a clear desire for high speed, global, consistent in-flight connectivity and is turning to Honeywell and Inmarsat to deliver it.”

Aviation professionals are invited to attend the 18th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown USA. This year’s activities focus on reducing distraction through the use of proven attention control techniques. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Wichita Hotel in Kansas, October 6-9, 2014.

“Attention is critical to performance and decision-making abilities,” said Pat Daily, President, Convergent Performance, Safety Standdown presenter and attention control expert. “We’re here to provide aviation professionals with the tools and strategies necessary to identify and transform behavioral practices critical to aviation safety performance.”