Bombardier launched its CSeries flight-test vehicle on its first flight Monday morning in Montreal. The all-new narrow-body jet is designed to carry up to 149 passengers. The airplane already has proved disruptive in the airline industry, according to analyst Michael Boyd. “That’s what caused Boeing and Airbus to redesign their airplanes,” Boyd told Reuters. “The CSeries, on paper, was so superior in terms of economics that you have two global companies that had to jump from what Bombardier did.” The flight had been delayed several times, but on Monday morning the weather cleared to provide a clear blue sky for the ceremonial event.
Bombardier has said it hopes to log 300 orders for the jet, but so far has only 177, according to Reuters. The company has said it is hopeful Monday’s flight will inspire more buyers to commit. The first flight was expected by the end of last year, but Bombardier cited supplier problems and software issues for the delays.
