Bombardier inks deal with Iraqi Airways for new CSeries jets

MONTREAL – Iraqi Airways has placed a firm order to purchase five of Bombardier’s new CSeries aircraft and options for 11 additional CS300s.

The deal potentially worth up to $1.26 billion, based on list prices if all 16 planes are purchased, comes two weeks after the Middle Eastern carrier signed a letter of intent at the Dubai Air Show.

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The firm order for five CS300s, which can be configured for between 135 and 160 seats, is valued at US$387 million.

Iraqi Airways flies six CRJ900 regional jets and its CEO said the CSeries will allow the carrier to expand into new markets.

“The CS300 aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency and comfortable, widebody-like cabin will permit us to respond to growing passenger demand and reach destinations across the Middle East, Northern Africa and Europe,” stated Saad Al-Khafaji.

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 419 CSeries, including 182 firm orders.

The CSeries is undergoing a year of flight testing with delivery of the first CS100 airplane set for delivery in about a year. Delivery of the first CS300 is slated for 2015.