Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Latvian flag carrier Air Baltic Corporation AS (airBaltic) announced today that the airline has selected Bombardier’s Smart Parts Program to provide component support for its fleet of 20 all-new C Series aircraft. The five-year agreement positions airBaltic as the second customer for the C Series aircraft Smart Parts Program and will provide the airline with comprehensive component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, access to a strategically located spare part exchange pool, and an on-site inventory based at the airline’s main hub in Riga, Latvia.

airBaltic is the launch operator for the CS300 aircraft, and the airline’s first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered by Bombardier in the fourth quarter of 2016. airBaltic has ordered 20 CS300 aircraft.

"airBaltic is recognized as the most reliable operator of Q400 aircraft in Europe, and one of the key factors driving this success is undoubtedly the ready availability of spare parts,” said Martin Sedlacky, Chief Operations Officer, airBaltic. “airBaltic intends to be the world's most reliable CS300 operator and we are pleased that Bombardier's Smart Parts Program is now part of our comprehensive optimization process to realize this goal at best-in-class cost."

“We are delighted to have airBaltic – the launch operator of the CS300 aircraft – join our Smart Parts Program,” said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “By providing guaranteed part availability and cost predictability, we expect that the Smart Parts Program will play a valuable role in ensuring airBaltic’s successful entry-into-service and long-term operation of the all-new CS300 Series aircraft.”

About Smart Parts

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft launched the Smart Parts Program to provide Component Management Solutions in support of the Q400 aircraft fleet.  The fleet supported by the Smart Parts Program has now grown to 150 aircraft enrolled by Q400 and C Series customers.

About C Series Aircraft

The C Series is the only aircraft optimized for the 100- to 150-seat market segment, which drives the aircraft’s phenomenal economic proposition and performance, opening up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operation.

Comprised of the CS100 and the larger CS300 aircraft, the C Series family represents the fusion of performance and technology. The result is aircraft that deliver unmatched performance and economics in the 100- to 150-seat market segment and an 18 per cent lower cost per passenger, making them the ideal candidates to complement larger single-aisle aircraft. Airlines can now operate routes that were previously not profitable or even possible.

Bombardier has created a new standard in cabin design and flexibility to ensure an unrivalled passenger experience. The aircraft’s larger seats, overhead bins and windows deliver a widebody feel that offers passengers unparalleled comfort in a single-aisle cabin.

The CS100 and the CS300 aircraft have over 99 per cent parts commonality as well as the same pilot type rating. The groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine, combined with the aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics, delivers reduced fuel burn, noise, and emissions – making the C Series the most community-friendly aircraft.