Delta

US-based airline Delta Air Lines has agreed to buy 75 Bombardier single-aisle CS100 aircraft for a sum of around $5.6bn based on list price.

Based on the list price, the deal also includes options for an additional 50 CS100 aircraft.

Delta Air Lines can also choose to convert a number of newly ordered aircraft into CS300 jets in the future.

Claimed to be the biggest order in the history of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, the deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2018.

Delta Air Lines incoming chief executive Ed Bastian said: "As we reshape our fleet for the future, the innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people.

"These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance."

"The innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people."

With a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft, the carrier currently provides services to 324 destinations in 58 countries on six continents.

Designed to cater to the 100 to 150-seat market segment, Bombardier’s C Series family of aircraft features a new design that provides operators up to $13m extra value for each aircraft.

According to Bombardier, the CS100 features advanced materials, technologies and advanced aerodynamics and Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engine, which helps to consume between 15% and 20% less fuel than other re-engined aircraft.

In February, Air Canada finalised an order with Bombardier to buy 45 CS300 aircraft with options for an additional 30 CS300 aircraft, which also includes conversion rights to CS100 aircraft.

Image: Delta Air Lines currently provides service to 324 destinations in 58 countries on six continents. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.