Airbus, Bombardier to close C series deal in May 2018

Airbus could decide to change the C Series into the A200 family, reports Bloomberg. According to anonymous sources, the CS100 and CS300 would respectively become A210 and A230. This would come as a way for the European manufacturer to harmonize its catalogue.

The change of name could be announced during the officialization of the partnership between the two companies, which could be happening by the end of May 2018, reports Reuters. The deal was formerly expected to take effect in mid-2018.

“We cannot confirm that information,” commented Nathalie Siphengphet, spokesperson of Bombardier. “We expect our partnership with Airbus to double the value of the C Series program. Airbus selling power and brand will give the C Series an enviable competition edge.”

It would be the first time that Airbus does not name one of its planes after its first model ever, the A300.

In October 2017, Airbus announced that it would buy a majority stake in Bombardier’s C Series. The company was  struggling to reduce its costs and find new orders. “I have no doubt that our partnership with Bombardier will boost sales and the value of this program tremendously,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders at the time.

The C Series is currently operated by three companies, namely Swiss, airBaltic and Korean Air. Delta Air Lines will start using it at the beginning of 2019. Bombardier currently has 372 orders for both models.

Source – AeroTime News Hub