Airport, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

Aivis Ronis in the "Bombardier Cseries 300" cockpit. Riga, 26.07.2012. Photo: sam.gov.lv

Bombardier, which is to supply airBaltic with new aircraft starting from 2015, has said that the new planes will reduce airBaltic fuel costs 20% and lower aircraft maintenance costs 15%, informs LETA.

The contract, which is currently being drawn up, must include all the guarantees, explained Ronis. He also admitted that the government would not evaluate the contract as this would be a responsibility of airBaltic.

If all what Bombardier has promised is included in the contract, it will be a good deal, said the minister, noting that 21st century technologies were employed in the new Bombardier aircraft. "Bombardier CS300" test flights will be held at the beginning of next year.

airBaltic council member Kaspars Briskens said that "Bombardier CS300" planes would be able to fly to all the destinations of airBaltic.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Senior Vice-President Chet Fuller said that "Bombardier CS300" would be safe and environment-friendly aircraft that would help reduce airBaltic costs. airBaltic representative Janis Vanags said in turn that if the airline's costs could be reduced, ticket prices might also be lowered.

It is hard to predict right now how long the work on the aircraft purchase contract will take, but it will probably take more than couple months, added Vanags.

airBaltic and Bombardier Aerospace signed a letter of intent to acquire 10 "CS300" aircraft and take purchase rights on a further 10 "CS300" jetliners during the Farnborough Airshow in England earlier this month.