Tests Confirm Bombardier C Series Aircraft is Quietest Commercial Jet in its Class

•First production CS100 aircraft readies for function and reliability tests as C Series starts advancing towards final phase of flight testing

•CS100 aircraft visits Toronto to perform demonstration flight for employees and local stakeholders including Toronto-based CSeries and Q400 customer, Porter Airlines

Bombardier announced today that its all-new CS100 aircraft has successfully completed all noise performance testing and preliminary 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 city centre operations.

The first production CS100 aircraft will soon commence function and reliability testing, signaling the start of the final flight testing phase. For these tests, the aircraft will operate on a commercial airline type of schedule from key airports in North America.

The announcements were made today on the occasion of a CS100 flight demonstration at Bombardier’s Toronto site where the aircraft performed for employees, local government representatives, business leaders, media and Toronto-based C Series customer and long-time Q400 operator, Porter Airlines. The demonstration aircraft -- flight test vehicle five (FTV5) -- was painted in the livery of launch operator SWISS.

“It’s always a thrill to see the C Series aircraft in a new city and today marks a proud achievement as we experience the aircraft’s Toronto debut," said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “With a solid plan targeting certification by year-end 2015, and entry into service with SWISS in the first half of 2016, we are working with existing and potential customers as they explore opportunities and develop business cases around the C Series jetliners.”

“The excitement around the C Series grows every time we meet or surpass our performance targets,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We announced previously that the C Series aircraft are exceeding their original targets for fuel burn, payload, range and airfield performance. Now we are delighted that the CS100 aircraft’s noise performance tests have confirmed it as the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class.

“The C Series certification program is now over 85 per cent complete,” added Mr. Dewar.

Earlier this year, Bombardier announced that the C Series aircraft's maximum range is confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted. The aircraft is delivering more than a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to in-production aircraft, and a greater than 10 per cent advantage compared to re-engined aircraft. This means that one C Series aircraft could reduce an operator’s carbon emissions by up to 6,000 tonnes each year. The C Series will also emit 50 per cent fewer NOX emissions than the CAEP 6* NOX emission standards.

Bombardier assesses the environmental impact of its aircraft throughout their life cycles. Through its design, manufacturing, operations and recyclability, the C Series aircraft will be issued an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) upon entry into service – an industry first.