Tech Trend 247

Delta announced an order for 75 jets from Bombardier on Thursday, marking the first U.S. airline to make a deal with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer.

The lightweight, narrow-body CS100 jets will replace some of Delta's older, less fuel-efficient planes on short- and medium-haul routes.

"As we reshape our fleet for the future, the innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people," Delta's incoming chief executive Ed Bastian said in a statement. "These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance."

The deal is valued at $5.6 billion.

The order comes after years of challenges and delays for Bombardier, as airline industry publication Leeham News notes. Bombardier's C-series manufacturing program launched in 2009, but the first CS100 jet has not yet entered service for an airline — it is scheduled to do so for Lufthansa Group's Swiss airline in July.

The C-series, which also includes the CS300, focuses on 100-150 seat aircraft "to deliver unparalleled economic advantage to operators and to open up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operations," according to Bombardier.

The company is also emphasizing interior comfort, which should come as a relief to anyone flying economy in the U.S.

"The aircraft offers 19-inch-wide seats that set a new industry standard," Bombardier said in a statement, in addition to "large overhead bins that accommodate a carry-on bag for each passenger, and the largest windows in the single-aisle market."

The delivery of the CS100 jets to Delta is scheduled to begin in 2018.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.