CS300 Bombardier

Saudi Arabia-based Al Qahtani Aviation has signed a $2bn deal with Bombardier to purchase 16 CS300 airliners, with options for an additional ten aircraft.

SaudiGulf Airlines, a newly launched national carrier for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will operate the airliners.

With this order, the carrier has become the third customer for the CSeries variant in the Middle East.

Al Qahtani Aviation and SaudiGulf Airlines are owned by Saudi Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Sons Group.

SaudiGulf Airlines chairman Sheikh Tariq Al Qahtani said: "We are very excited about the CSeries aircraft’s suitability for this market and the long-term success it will bring to the region.

"With its clean-sheet design, modern technologies and competitive costs, the CSeries aircraft will give us the opportunity to introduce a new, quality, premium airline and an economically sustainable business model in Saudi Arabia, serving the domestic market, the Gulf and Middle East."

"We have long been noting that the CSeries aircraft is attracting progressive airlines that are keen on opening new markets and operations."

Bombardier stated that the CS300 aircraft will support SaudiGulf Airlines’ growth into new markets such as the Indian subcontinent and parts of Europe, as the carrier seeks to expand its network.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "We have long been noting that the CSeries aircraft is attracting progressive airlines that are keen on opening new markets and operations."

The CSeries is designed for the growing 100 to 149-seat market, and is powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines.

The aircraft is claimed to offer a 15% operating cost advantage and a 20% fuel burn advantage, while its clean-sheet design helps it achieve reduced noise and emissions.

Image: With this order, SaudiGulf Airlines has become third customer for the CSeries variant in the Middle East. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

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