At the end of last month, the Canadian company Bombardier Commercial Aircraft confirmed that a C Series aircraft with a representative payload successfully flew non-stop from London City Airport (LCY) to John F Kennedy Airport in New York City.

This direct intercontinental flight followed a series of successful flights to demonstrate the aircraft’s
abilities regarding steep-approach landing and short-runway performance.

Rob Dewar, vice-president (C Series Aircraft Program), said: “The program achieved another significant milestone with the completion of the demonstration tests at LCY.

“The C Series is the only commercial aircraft that was specifically designed for operations at LCY, and we are very proud of its performance.

“The aircraft smoothly performed all eight take-offs and landings during a two-day period, as planned.”

Transport Canada and EASA certification for steep-approach operations with the CS100 aircraft is expected in the second quarter of 2017.

Bombardier has extensive experience of operating at LCY with various aircraft types. SWISS is expected to be the first airline to operate a service with the C Series to and from LCY later this year.