Delta signs firm order for 75 Bombardier CSeries aircraft

Delta Air Lines and Bombardier executed (28-Apr-2016) a firm agreement for the sale and purchase for 75 CS100 narrowbody aircraft, scheduled for delivery beginning in the spring of 2018. Based on the list price of the CS100 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately USD5.6 billion. As the US launch customer, Delta said its order will allow it to reshape and upgauge its narrowbody fleet, providing "an improved customer experience and better cost efficiency while maintaining a focus on prudent capital deployment." The CSeries aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney's PW1500G engines, and will be deployed on short to medium-haul routes throughout the carrier's network. Delta also has options for 50 additional C Series aircraft and certain delivery flexibility rights, including the ability to substitute the larger CS300 aircraft. Delta's incoming CEO Ed Bastian said the new aircraft are a "solid investment" and offer "superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance." [more - original PR - I] [more - original PR - II] more - original PR - III]