Bombardier adds to C Series order book

Bombardier has announced its first North American order for the upcoming CSeries airliners.

US-based Republic Airways has ordered 40 of the larger CS300 (plus 40 options), taking the total orders for the CSeries to date to 90 firm and 90 options.

The CSeries is regional aircraft manufacturer Bombardier's incursion into the 100-plus seat market that has been the exclusive domain of Boeing and Airbus until now.

Bombardier says that the CSeries is "optimized for the longer range, single-aisle 100- to 149-seat market (and) will deliver the lowest operating costs in their class, exceptional operational flexibility, widebody comfort and an unmatched environmental scorecard".

With entry-into-service scheduled for 2013, Bombardier would clearly welcome further interest in the CSeries. The program was launched despite some concerns that it would be merely a cash drainer for the Canadian manufacturer.

No doubt Embraer is watching the evolution of its arch rival's CSeries program with considerable interest.