MONTREAL, QUEBEC—(Marketwired – Feb. 20, 2015) – Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that following a thorough inspection of the aircraft and a review of all the associated build documentation, Transport Canada inspectors have issued the flight permit that allows the first CS300 flight test vehicle to join the flight test program. Pending optimal weather conditions, the CS300 aircraft’s first flight is expected to occur during the period February 26 – 28, 2015. More precise timing will be confirmed approximately 48 hours prior. The aircraft is expected to perform a series of handling and system calibration tests, at a wide range of altitudes and speeds.

Representatives of the media who wish to participate onsite at Bombardier’s Mirabel, Quebec facility are invited to register by following this link: http://bit.ly/17AsMPi and clicking on the “Register” tab that appears in the menu. Access to the Mirabel site will be rigorously controlled. Only registered media representatives and specially invited guests will have access to the site.

Everyone is encouraged to follow the CS300 aircraft’s progress towards its maiden flight at www.cseries.bombardier.com and via our social media feeds on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bombardier_aero) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BombardierAero).

“This is an exciting time. The first four CS100 Flight Test Vehicles (FTVs) have flown more than 1,000 hours, test results are looking great and the CS300 aircraft will perform its maiden flight in the coming days,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, CSeries Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The success of the CSeries aircraft program is testament to the dedication and hard work of our partners, suppliers and in-house teams, and it has also benefitted greatly from the involvement of our customers.”