Air France ponders Bombardier aircraft purchase

Air France is considering buying C-series planes from Bombardier, the Canadian aerospace giant. The French flag carrier is reportedly looking at purchasing some of the manufacturer’s newest regional jets. It is also likely that Air France will submit an order to both Airbus and Boeing for planes that can be used on medium-range flights, since Bombardier only produces regional aircraft. Brigitte Barrand, representing Air France, has confirmed that the French flag carrier is contemplating the purchase of Bombardier C-series planes in the near future, noting that the airline is “closely following developments” in the design of these new aircraft.

The Bombardier C-series is seen as an attractive alternative for many airlines, as these jets will lower operating costs by as much as 20 percent, compared to similar planes produced by other companies. The prospect of such significant savings is clearly a welcome development in what has become an exceedingly difficult economic environment for most major airlines. The Bombardier C-series planes will be able to transport between 110 and 130 passengers on each aircraft and some analysts believe that Brit Air, the carrier’s regional subsidiary, may be able to make use of these planes. The subsidiary already has a history flying Bombardier planes.

Sylvia Gauthier, a spokesperson for Bombardier, would not confirm to the Montreal Gazette whether or not the company may already be in negotiations with Air France, but she did indicate that the manufacturer is in contact with a range of airlines about its products.

Thank you to Allison Lampert of the Montreal Gazette for the initial report.

www.airfrance.com