newstodate.aero
Jul 26, 2012 (newstodate): With the choice for Bombardier CS300 as its future medium-range aircraft, Latvia's airBaltic finally closed the issue after several years of debate and uncertainty.
The carrier will take in 10 CS300 aircraft, reportedly from 2015, while holding options for a further 10 aircraft.
Prior to the decision announced at the recent Farnborough Airshow, expectations were that the most probable alternatives were the Airbus A319 or the Boeing 737-700.
Planned for its virgin flight later in 2012, first deliveries of the CS300 aircraft will take place one year later.
The aircraft thus still has to prove its capabilities, including its cargo performance.
-We need to see more detail of CS300 specifications once it has been built and delivered to comment on impact on airBaltic's cargo performance, says Toms Andersons, airBaltic head of cargo.
-But what I can see so far from resources on internet is that the CS300 actually will offer a few additional cubic meters of cargo space compared to the Airbus A319 or the Boeing 737-700.
-As for cargo space, the CS300 seems to be roughly similar to the Boeing 737-300 now used by airBaltic. So this seems to be good news for us, says Mr Andersons.
The carrier will take in 10 CS300 aircraft, reportedly from 2015, while holding options for a further 10 aircraft.
Prior to the decision announced at the recent Farnborough Airshow, expectations were that the most probable alternatives were the Airbus A319 or the Boeing 737-700.
Planned for its virgin flight later in 2012, first deliveries of the CS300 aircraft will take place one year later.
The aircraft thus still has to prove its capabilities, including its cargo performance.
-We need to see more detail of CS300 specifications once it has been built and delivered to comment on impact on airBaltic's cargo performance, says Toms Andersons, airBaltic head of cargo.
-But what I can see so far from resources on internet is that the CS300 actually will offer a few additional cubic meters of cargo space compared to the Airbus A319 or the Boeing 737-700.
-As for cargo space, the CS300 seems to be roughly similar to the Boeing 737-300 now used by airBaltic. So this seems to be good news for us, says Mr Andersons.