MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Nov. 8, 2015) - Dubai Airshow - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft confirmed today that Riga, Latvia-based Air Baltic Corporation AS (airBaltic) will be the first customer to operate the CS300 aircraft when it takes delivery in the second half of 2016. The Latvian flag carrier has 13 CS300 aircraft on firm order and retains options for seven CS300 aircraft.

"Bombardier's CS300 airliners are integral to the execution of airBaltic's business development strategy and fleet optimization plan. As the airline increases its network potential, we will do so by replacing older jet aircraft," said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. "The CS300 aircraft has exceeded our expectations in terms of its noise and emissions footprint, aligned with airBaltic's low environmental impact vision. Additionally, it will offer airBaltic passengers a widebody, unparalleled in-flight passenger experience, perfectly complementing our modern fleet of 12 Bombardier Q400 turboprops."

"We are thrilled to confirm that airBaltic will be the first airline in the world to operate the CS300 aircraft. As one of Europe's leading innovative airlines, airBaltic is successfully reshaping its business plan and expanding network capacities on the backbone of the C Series aircraft - which will provide the perfect fusion of performance, technology and comfort," said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The unrivaled cabin living space offered by the CS300 aircraft will allow airBaltic to optimize its extra capacity seating offerings without comprising passenger comfort, together with world-class flying experience".

About airBaltic

Established in 1995, airBaltic is the main carrier in the Baltic region and operates direct flights out of Riga, Latvia and serves 60 destinations spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States and the Middle East with a fleet of 25 aircraft.

About C Series Aircraft

The C Series family of aircraft, representing the fusion of performance and technology, is a 100 per cent all-new design that offers operators potential savings of between US$ 7.5 to 12 million per aircraft.

By focusing on the 100- to 150-seat market segment, Bombardier has designed the C Series aircraft to deliver unparalleled economic advantage to operators and to open up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operations.

All noise performance testing on the CS100 aircraft has been completed and data confirms it is the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. The aircraft's noise performance and its outstanding short-field capability make it ideal for varied types of operations. The C Series aircraft's maximum range has also been confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted.

The aircraft is delivering more than a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to in-production aircraft, and a greater than 10 per cent advantage compared to re-engined aircraft. The C Series aircraft will also emit 50 per cent fewer NO_X emissions than the CAEP 6* NO_X emission standards.

In addition to delivering best-in-class economics with the C Series aircraft, Bombardier has placed considerable emphasis on cabin design to ensure an excellent passenger experience. The C Series aircraft's larger seats, overhead bins and windows create a widebody feel that offers passengers unparalleled comfort.

The CS100 and CS300 aircraft have over 95 per cent parts commonality, as well as the same type rating. The groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine, combined with advanced aerodynamics, delivers reduced fuel burn, noise and emissions, increasing the aircraft's environmental and social compatibility.

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 603 C Series aircraft, which include firm orders for 243.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

Images of C Series aircraft are posted with this press release at www.bombardier.com.

For more information on the C Series aircraft, visit http://news.commercialaircraft.bombardier.com

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* Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection

Bombardier, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.