Bombardier’s CS300 regional jet has arrived in China for the first time. The second CS300 flight test vehicle, which is showcasing the logo of CS300 first operator airBaltic, will be on static display at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) from 30th October to 3rd November. It marks the first appearance of the C Series at the Chinese event, which is held every two years. Bombardier is also presenting its Global 5000 business aircraft.

LIke its competitors, Bombardier has been drawn by the huge market prospects offered by the Asia-Pacific region. Greater China alone is forecasted to take delivery of 1,150 aircraft in the 100- to 150-seat segment over the next 20 years. This represents more than 15 per cent of the world’s total demand for 7,000 aircraft in the segment.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded Type Validation to Bombardier’s CS300 aircraft on 7th October, clearing the way for delivery to Latvian carrier airBaltic in the coming weeks. EASA’s validation follows the CS300 aircraft Type Certification awarded by Transport Canada in July 2016.

Bombardier’s smaller CS100 airliner, which was awarded Type Certification by Transport Canada in December 2015, and Type Validations by both EASA and the FAA in June 2016, successfully entered service with launch operator SWISS in July 2016.