Aircraft

Regional aircraft manufacturer Bombardier’s board has authorised the company to offer its CSeries aircraft family to potential customers.

Qatar Airways is considering an order for 20 of the type, says the airframer, and the aircraft is also being studied by Lufthansa and US lessor International Lease Finance (ILFC).

The CSeries family comprises 110- and 130-seat aircraft and will be powered by Pratt & Whitney’s geared-turbofan engine.

“Authority to offer is the next important step in the process that leads to programme launch,” says the airframer, adding that it will obtain firm commitments from customers before seeking launch approval.

It expects a launch decision this year. Entry into service for the CSeries is scheduled for 2013.

Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news