Aircraft

Lufthansa's supervisory board has approved a proposed order for 30 Bombardier CSeries aircraft, giving the Canadian manufacturer's new-aircraft programme a major boost.

The German carrier says in a statement this morning that its supervisory board approved the order at a meeting yesterday and the aircraft will be used by its Swiss International Air Lines subsidiary.

It says the 115-seat aircraft will be "ready for the fleet as of 2014" and they will replace Avro RJ100s. "The investment represents the next step in the modernisation of the fleet at Swiss International Air Lines," says Lufthansa.

© Bombardier

"The generous space offer in the cabin provides passengers with the highest comfort. The new engine technology and lightweight materials significantly reduce fuel consumption. The CSeries should consequently allow Swiss to reduce its current fuel consumption with the Avro fleet by well over a quarter."

Lufthansa launched the CSeries programme last year when it signed a letter of intent for up to 60 of the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G-powered twinjets. Since then Bombardier has been working to have Lufthansa firm up the order, in addition to looking for more customers.