Bombardier Aerospace (Toronto) announced today (June 21) that Korean Air (Seoul) has signed an agreement to acquire 10 Bombardier CS300 aircraft with an additional 10 options and 10 purchase rights of the CS300 airliners. The parties signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) after several months of detailed negotiations.

According to Bombardier, the new type is “designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the CSeries family of aircraft combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond.” The CS300 aircraft will enter into service in 2014.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1521G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage; greatly reduced noise and emissions; as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km). It will also provide passengers with three-plus-two, widebody-style seating in a single-aisle aircraft.

In addition to the LOI for up to 30 CSeries aircraft announced today, Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 113 CSeries aircraft, including 51 CS100 and 62 CS300 aircraft. Customers that have firm orders for CSeries aircraft include Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and threeCS100 aircraft), Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft) and a major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft). The CSeries aircraft program has also booked options for 109 aircraft.

Image: Bombardier.