Delta Orders 75 CS100 Aircraft; Becomes U.S. Launch Customer

Delta Air Lines has become the U.S. launch customer of the Bombardier CS100.

Delta's firm order for 75 CS100s will allow the airline to reshape and upgauge its narrowbody fleet.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney's latest geared turbofan PW1500G engine, the CS100 takes advantage of advanced technology and composite materials designed to deliver an expected 20% improvement in fuel efficiency over similar sized aircraft when it enters service with Delta in spring 2018.

"As we reshape our fleet for the future, the innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people," said Ed Bastian, Delta's incoming chief executive. "These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance."

The transaction is part of Delta's domestic strategy to upgauge the fleet, allowing the airline to achieve its long-term financial targets, including 15% EPS growth and generation of $4-5 billion in free cash flow annually, while replacing less efficient domestic aircraft. With the order of the C Series, Delta will no longer induct the E190 into its fleet as planned.

"We are very proud to welcome Delta as a C Series customer and to expand our partnership with such a prestigious airline," said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. "Given Delta's position as one of the world's largest and most respected airlines, this deal is a strong endorsement of the C Series as the best performing aircraft in the 100-150 passenger class. The addition of Delta to our marquee C Series customer list gives us tremendous momentum as we approach entry-into-service this summer."

The CS100 features a state-of-the-art interior with the largest windows in the single-aisle market, full-spectrum ambient lighting, seatback inflight entertainment, inflight Wi-Fi, high-capacity overhead bins and among the widest seats of any narrowbody aircraft in a customer-preferred two-by-three Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ configuration, as well as a two-by-two First Class layout.

Bombardier's all-new, lightweight mainline aircraft will be deployed on short to medium-haul routes throughout the airline's network.

As part of this transaction, Delta has options for 50 additional C Series aircraft and certain delivery flexibility rights including the ability to substitute the larger CS300 aircraft. 

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