MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb 16, 2016) - Singapore Airshow - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that the C Series aircraft program is making excellent progress as the CS100 aircraft readies for delivery and entry-into-service (EIS) with launch operator Swiss International Air Lines ("SWISS") in Q2 2016. Additionally, the CS300 aircraft has completed over 70 per cent of its certification activities to date and is on target for full certification approximately in mid-year 2016, followed by its planned EIS in the second half of 2016 with airBaltic of Latvia.

"It's been a very productive start to the year with a lot of activity around the SWISS team completing its initial phase of training on-site for pilots, ground and maintenance crews," said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "It was a special treat to celebrate SWISS' first aircraft 'powering on' - meaning electricity and systems ran for the first time on the aircraft. Excitement is building as crews await the maiden flight of their aircraft in the coming months.

"Additionally, components arrived this month and the first CS300 aircraft for launch customer airBaltic is now in production. It's great to know we're pacing well to meet our program and customer targets for the year," said Mr. Cromer.

"As the second CS300 flight test vehicle equipped with a full interior prepares for its first flight, I'm thrilled to confirm we've completed more than 70 per cent of the CS300 aircraft's certification activities," said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "This last flight test vehicle is dedicated to cabin and interior certification, but we foresee a smooth road due to the flight crews' familiarity with the CS100 aircraft and the high degree of commonality between the two models."

"We are very advanced in our preparations for SWISS' entry-into-service. Key conferences and workshops for initial provisioning, start-up support, supplier orientation, technical publications and data reporting are completed; and technical training has commenced," said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "In addition, Bombardier and supplier on-site support is in place; more than 500 users have access to our online Customer Services portal; and we are beefing up our state-of-the-art C Series Customer Response Centre for 24/7 worldwide support."

In December 2015, Bombardier announced that the CS100 aircraft had received its Type Certificate from Transport Canada. Bombardier's CS300 aircraft, the larger model, is on track to obtain its Type Certificate approximately in mid-year 2016, followed by EIS in the second half of 2016 as planned.

About C Series Aircraft

The C Series family of aircraft, representing the fusion of performance and technology, is a 100 per cent all-new design that offers operators up to US $13 million extra value per aircraft.

By focusing on the 100- to 150-seat market segment, Bombardier has designed the C Series aircraft to deliver unparalleled economic advantage to operators and to open up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operations.

By employing advanced materials, state-of-the-art technologies and advanced aerodynamics, combined with the groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine, the C Series aircraft is delivering a greater-than 10 per cent unit cost advantage compared to similarly-sized, re-engined aircraft.

In addition to delivering best-in-class economics with the C Series aircraft, Bombardier has placed considerable emphasis on cabin design to ensure a superior passenger experience. The aircraft offers 19-inch-wide seats that set a new industry standard, large overhead bins that accommodate a carry-on bag for each passenger, and the largest windows in the single-aisle market. Together these attributes create a widebody feel that offers passengers an unparalleled level of comfort.

All noise performance testing on the CS100 aircraft has been completed and data confirms it is the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. The aircraft's noise performance and its outstanding short-field capability make it ideal for varied types of operations.

The C Series aircraft's maximum range has also been confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted.

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 603 C Series aircraft, which include firm orders for 243.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

Photos are posted with this press release at www.bombardier.com.

For more information on the C Series aircraft, visit http://news.commercialaircraft.bombardier.com.

Follow @BBD_Aircraft on Twitter to receive the latest updates from Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section of Bombardier's website.

Bombardier, CS100, CS300, C Series and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.