Yahoo Finance Bombardier sells 75 CS100 planes to Delta in $5.6 bn deal
US-based Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 75 CS100 Bombardier aircraft with an option to purchase 50 more in a deal worth US $5.6 billion, the struggling Canadian aviation giant said Thursday.
The contract is a lifeline for Bombardier, which has been beset by recent financial difficulties.
The deal marks the largest order ever for the 130-seat CS100, the smallest model in Bombardier's C Series that also includes the CS300, which can carry up to 160 passengers.
Delta reserved the right to convert a number of the 50 optional planes into slightly roomier CS300 aircraft at a later date.
The order makes Delta the largest C Series customer, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2018.
Delta's purchase also allows Bombardier to reach its target threshold of 300 firm orders.
"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," incoming Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said.
