Porter Airlines enters into purchase agreement for Bombardier CSeries jetliners

Canada’s Porter Airlines has entered into a conditional purchase agreement with Bombardier for the purchase of 12 CS100 airliners, with options for 18 additional CS100 aircraft.

The agreement also includes rights for six Q400 NextGen jetliners. The parties revealed that Porter Airlines is the undisclosed Americas-based customer that signed a letter of intent (LOI) for 30 CSeries airliners as announced by Bombardier in December 2012.

The announcement was made at Porter Airlines’ base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Based on list prices, the deal value for 18 CS100 would be approximately $870m, which could be pushed to $2.08bn if the options for 18 aircraft are also converted to firm orders.

In addition, exercising the purchase rights for six Q400 NextGen jetliners would increase the value of the contract to $2.29bn.

Porter Airlines president and chief executive officer Robert Deluce said following an in-depth analysis of existing and re-engined aircraft, the airline has selected the all-new CS100 airliner for its flexibility and suitability for urban operations.

"The aircraft fits perfectly into our business plans and growth strategy and we are also proud to be the Canadian launch customer for Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft," Deluce said.

"We look forward to expanding our network with an all-Bombardier fleet of CS100 jetliners and Q400 turboprops, promoting greener, quieter flying."

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone added: "We look forward to seeing the technologically advanced CS100 aircraft take to the skies in Canada and its neighbouring regions alongside Porter’s existing fleet of 26 Q400 aircraft."

The company has also unveiled the CSeries aircraft flight deck and cabin demonstrator that will be showcased on private display at Porter’s facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport until 30 April.

Featuring technologically advanced communication and navigation aids and benefits from the latest avionics, the CSeries aircraft flight deck offers reduced costs through increased operational efficiency and reduced pilot training, while improving reliability, according to Bombardier.

The cabin demonstrator represents the advanced look and feel of the CSeries aircraft interior configuration and features a business class section and a wide range of optional in-flight video displays.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family is designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, according to Bombardier, it will offer a 15% operating cost advantage and a 20% fuel burn advantage.

As of 31 December 2012, Bombardier logged 382 orders and commitments for CSeries aircraft, which include 148 firm orders for the aircraft.

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Image: A CS100 aircraft in Porter Airlines’ livery. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.