CS300

Transport Canada has issued a flight permit to Bombardier Commercial Aircraft to conduct first flight of its CS300 aircraft.

Approval comes after a comprehensive evaluation of the aircraft, and a review of associated build documentation.

First flight of the CS300 aircraft is expected to be conducted during 26-28 February 2015, Bombardier said.

As part of the flight, the aircraft will perform a series of handling and system calibration tests at various altitudes and speeds at Bombardier’s Mirabel, Québec facility.

"As part of the flight, the aircraft will perform a series of handling and system calibration tests at various altitudes and speeds at Bombardier’s Mirabel, Québec facility."

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft CSeries programme vice-president Rob Dewar said: "The first four CS100 flight test vehicles (FTVs) have flown more than 1,000 hours, test results are looking great, and the CS300 aircraft will perform its maiden flight in the coming days.

"The success of the CSeries aircraft program is testament to the dedication and hard work of our partners, suppliers and in-house teams, and it has also benefitted greatly from the involvement of our customers."

The CS100 started flight tests in September 2013, but was halted for more than three months in 2014 after an engine-related incident on 29 May.

Flight testing resumed in September 2014 after an in-depth review and analysis of the failure.

The CSeries aircraft is designed to serve the 100-149-seat, single-aisle market, and is claimed to offer a 15% operating cost advantage and a 20% fuel burn advantage.

Image: The CS300 aircraft is expected to be conducted during 26-28 February 2015. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.