Diabeetus

Relatively higher maintenance cost and lower fuel efficiency than other comparable aircraft.

Jasper2009

Any speculation regarding what the seating configuration would likely look like?

I suppose three rows of J eats in a 2-2 config and Y seats in a high-density 2-3 config?

Cruban

Note that it is a Letter of Intent and not a firm order - usually means that the order can be cancelled with little/no penalty and deposit is returned.

briantoronto

What BBD should have been doing from the beginning instead of asking for a premium.

Wpgjetse

They also do not like the cold.

screw2000

My first thought was CS300 as a 319 replacement.

airbus320

They are known as Jungle Jets to the maintainers.

Hello again

AC knows how to play the political stuff very well. They know the new government will bail out BBD with some loans and a change in their share structure so making this deal is a very smart move by AC and they are getting a very good plane. Supporting the Quebec aerospace industry is the right thing for the feds to do.

moorw003

Interesting thought. You suggesting the CS300 could be a Rouge specific plane maybe?

yscleo

and they are made in Quebec.

DNAwizard

I'm glad AC finally jumped in ^

And I agree that the price paid is probably on the cheaper side but that is what BBD had to do; get a major airline to buy their product and get them in the air ASAP so other airlines can see how good this product is in "real life".

briantoronto

Air Canada C Series Airframe Heavy Maintenance to be Performed in Quebec

Air Canada to Collaborate in Establishment of Centre of Excellence for C Series Aircraft Maintenance

MONTREAL, Febr. 17, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said that further to its earlier announcement today of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Bombardier Inc. for the acquisition of up to 75 Bombardier C Series 300 aircraft, it has agreed to have its C Series airframe heavy maintenance work performed in Quebec by a recognized maintenance provider for a minimum of 20 years from first delivery in 2019. It is expected that Air Canada's commitment in this regard will help establish a Centre of Excellence for C Series aircraft maintenance in the province. As a result, subject to completion of final agreements, the Government of Quebec has agreed to discontinue the litigation related to Air Canada's obligations regarding the maintenance of an overhaul and operational centre.

ffsim

As taxpayers we were always going to bail out BBD; it was just a question of whether the money would only come from the provincial government or if the federal government would help out.

I'm pleased with the announcement because it means the C-Series will be showcased at a major North American airline -- hopefully it'll stir enough interest from other players so the plane really takes off.

Still, I can't help but be a little cynical at the timing of the LOI given the pending layoffs.

ChrisA330

And also the heavy maintenance which fulfills their obligations under the ACPPA. Gov't of Quebec will drop their suit.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/air-ca...142800891.html

WestAust

In this case, it more probably a question of timing, BBD needed to announce the order with their results, and not enough time for final sales contract between them and AC, so LOI it is!