Bomberdiar

Canadian airline Air Canada has confirmed a previously announced $3.8bn deal to buy 45 CS300 aircraft from Bombardier.

Announced in February, the agreement also includes an options for an additional 30 CS300 aircraft. If this option is exercised, the value of the deal could increase to $6.3bn.

Deliveries of the newly ordered aircraft are expected to start in late 2019 and extend to 2022.

Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu said: "Over the past few years, we’ve been making transformative moves to boost our competitiveness and customer satisfaction to better position us for growth and continued success.

"Finalising the CS300 order is a key element to Air Canada’s strategy to build one of the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets.

"This order also will help establish a Centre of Excellence for C Series maintenance work in Québec."

"Finalising the CS300 order is a key element to Air Canada’s strategy to build one of the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets."

With the deal, Air Canada also aims to expand its network and increase service to Canadian and transborder markets.

The single-aisle C Series family of aircraft from Bombardier features new design and focuses on the 100 to 150 seat market segment.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engine, the C Series family of aircraft provides operators up to $13m extra value an aircraft.

Canada’s Québec Government recently confirmed a $1bn investment, which was announced earlier, in the C Series family of aircraft.

As part of the contract, all the assets, liabilities and obligations of the C Series aircraft programme will be transferred to a newly created entity, called C Series Aircraft (CSALP).

Image: CS300 aircraft in Air Canada’s livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.