Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has delivered the first CS300 plane to launch operator Air Baltic (airBaltic).

Designed to accommodate 130 to 150 passengers, CS300 is the larger model of Bombardier’s new C Series aircraft.

airBaltic is planning to deploy the CS300 in its maiden flight on 14 December, on the route between Riga, Latvia, to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

"The CS300 aircraft will enable airBaltic to open new routes and connect people all across Europe.”

airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss said: “With its longer range capabilities, lower fuel burn and reduced noise emissions compared to other airliners in its segment, the CS300 aircraft will enable airBaltic to open new routes and connect people all across Europe, while offering passengers an unparalleled in-flight experience.”

Produced by C Series Aircraft, an affiliate of the Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, the CS300 aircraft is designed for single-aisle aircraft operation.

The C Series family includes CS300 and CS100 aircraft variant, which entered into service in June.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft C Series aircraft programme vice-president Rob Dewar said: “The delivery of the first CS300 aircraft is a major milestone and is the culmination of dedicated hard work and collaboration by thousands of employees, partners and suppliers.”

In September, the company received a $1bn investment from the government of Québec, Canada, for its C Series programme. The investment was provided in two $500m instalments.


Image: CS300 aircraft in airBaltic colours. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.