CS300

Bombardier has completed first flight of the CS300 aircraft, the stretch version of the original CS100, at its facility in Mirabel, Québec, Canada.

The CS300 first flight is said to be a major milestone in the CSeries aircraft programme.

During the flight, CS300 reached an altitude of 41,000ft at a speed of 255kts.

Bombardier CSeries programme vice-president Rob Dewar said: "Our CSeries aircraft programme is progressing well, with results from testing as expected or better.

"We are confident the CS100 aircraft will be certified in the second half of 2015, followed closely by entry-into-service.

"The CS300 airliner is expected to follow about six months later."

The CS300 will complement five CS100 flight test vehicles, which completed more than 1,000 flight test hours.

"The CS300 will complement five CS100 flight test vehicles, which completed more than 1,000 flight test hours."

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "We continue to see increased interest from all over the world, and as our performance targets are validated, we expect the enthusiasm for the CSeries family of aircraft to grow even more."

Designed for the 130-160 seat market segment, CS300 is suitable for a range of routes from short-haul to longer transcontinental markets, Bombardier said.

The aircraft is said to compete with Boeing 737 and Airbus A319 airliners.

The CSeries programme was hit by a series of delays, technical issues and cost overruns.

Deliveries of the CS100, which completed first flight in September 2013, were initially planned to start in 2013. Unspecified issues and engine failure in 2014 put the programme behind schedule.

The Canadian plane maker recently raised the estimated cost of the CSeries programme to $5.4bn from its first estimate of $3.9bn.

Bombardier expects to put the CSeries aircraft into service in the second half of this year.

Image: During the flight, the CS300 reached an altitude of 41,000ft at a speed of 255kts. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.