Bombardier Commercial Aircraft confirmed on March 27 that a CS100 series aircraft with a representative payload successfully flew on a test flight non-stop from London City Airport (LCY) in the UK capital to John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York City. The direct intercontinental flight followed a series of successful flights to demonstrate the CS100 aircraft’s capabilities for operations to and from LCY, including steep approach landing and short runway performance.
“The C Series aircraft program achieved another significant milestone with the completion of the demonstration tests at LCY. The C Series is the only commercial aircraft that was specifically designed for operations at LCY and we are very proud of its performance. The aircraft smoothly performed all eight take-offs and landings during a two-day period, as planned. This confirms the C Series aircraft’s unparalleled capabilities,” said Rob Dewar, vice president, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
Transport Canada and EASA certifications for steep approach operations with the CS100 aircraft are expected in Q2 2017. Bombardier has extensive experience operating at LCY Airport with various aircraft types, including the Q400 turboprop aircraft, as well as the Challenger 650 aircraft and Global 5000 and Global 6000 business jets.
The CS100 aircraft will allow airlines to viably offer direct intercontinental flights from LCY airport to both North America as well as the Middle East, on top of opening numerous new route opportunities, not possible with old-generation aircraft, within Europe, Russia and Northern Africa.
Swiss is expected to be the first airline to offer service with the C Series to and from LCY later this year.
Edited by Michael Jones
March 29, 2017
