Ms. Marianella de la Barrera reports

BOMBARDIER CS300 AIRCRAFT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES MAIDEN FLIGHT

Another major milestone in Bombardier Inc.'s C Series aircraft program was reached today with the maiden flight of the CS300 airliner. The technologically advanced C Series aircraft will provide operators with an all-new family of single-aisle mainline jets specifically designed for the 100- to 149-seat market segment. The CS300 airliner -- bearing Canadian registration markings C-FFDK -- departed Montreal-Mirabel International Airport at 11 a.m. EST and returned at 3:58 p.m. EST. It reached an altitude of 41,000 feet (12,500 metres) and a speed of 255 knots (470 kilometres per hour). At Bombardier's Mirabel, Que., facility, about 2,000 Bombardier employees, board members, partners, suppliers and customers braved frigid temperatures to witness the flight. Captain Andris (Andy) Litavniks, who was the co-pilot on the historical maiden flight of the smaller CS100 model on Sept. 16, 2013, was pilot in command on today's milestone flight. Captain Litavniks was assisted by co-pilot Christophe Marchand and flight test engineers Anthony Dunne and Mark Metivet.

"It was an absolute privilege to fly the first flight of the CS300 airliner, and I'm absolutely ecstatic with how well it handled. It's a pilot's aircraft and handled exactly as predicted by simulation," said Captain Litavniks. "Pilots will find it easy to transition from the CS100 to the CS300 aircraft or vice versa, which will greatly reduce training costs for operators using both models."

"Our C Series aircraft program is progressing well, with results from testing as expected or better. The CS300 airliner will now join the five CS100 aircraft flight test vehicles that have amassed more than 1,000 flight test hours to date," said Rob Dewar, vice-president, C Series program. "We are confident the CS100 aircraft will be certified in the second half of 2015, followed closely by entry into service. The CS300 airliner is expected to follow about six months later."

"It was a thrill to see the first CS300 aircraft take to the skies for the first time, and I heartily congratulate our teams for this achievement," said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "We continue to see increased interest from all over the world, and as our performance targets are validated, we expect the enthusiasm for the C Series family of aircraft to grow even more."

The CS300 aircraft offers the best seat-mile cost in its category, making it the most profitable solution for mid-sized markets with up to 150 passengers per flight, and ideal for a range of routes from short haul to longer transcontinental markets. Stakeholders are encouraged to follow further developments in the C Series aircraft program.

About C Series aircraft

Bombardier is creating the future with its C Series aircraft -- the only 100-per-cent-new family of airliners specifically designed for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market. Benefiting from a clean sheet design that includes leading-edge technology and systems integration, advanced materials, and latest-generation aerodynamics, the C Series aircraft offers a 15-per-cent cash operating cost advantage, a 20-per-cent fuel burn advantage, exceptional operational flexibility, widebody comfort, and an unmatched environmental and noise footprint. Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 563 C Series aircraft, which includes firm orders for 243 C Series airliners.