The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada have awarded same type rating (STR) to Bombardier C Series jets, which include CS100 and CS300.

The award has enabled the operators of the single-aisle C Series aircraft to achieve major cost-saving opportunities.

Featuring around 99% common configurations, both CS100 and CS300 jets are designed to serve the 100 to 150-seat market segment.

According to Bombardier, both aircraft were simultaneously developed with same size and weight. However, the centre section is longer on the larger CS300 aircraft. 

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft customer services vice-president and general manager Todd Young said: “The same type rating is a reflection of the high commonality between the CS100 and CS300 aircraft.

“This is great news for customers that operate both aircraft as they will benefit from the cost-effective, minimal training required to transition pilots from one model to the other.

"Customers that operate both aircraft will benefit from the cost-effective, minimal training required to transition pilots from one model to the other."

“The commonality also extends to spare parts, maintenance procedures and ground handling, which altogether represent significant financial advantages to customers.”

Recently, six pilots from airBaltic have completed their differences training and are now qualified to fly the CS300 aircraft.  

The CS300 aircraft, manufactured by an affiliate of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership, is set to enter service with its launch operator airBaltic in the next few weeks.

Last month, the second CS300 flight test aircraft arrived in Zhuhai, China, debuting the C Series aircraft in the country.

Image: Bombardier C Series aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.