Turbulent flight

July 2004 — Bombardier announces plans for next-generation CSeries jet, targeting the lower end of the 100- to 150passenger seat market. It says it will embark on feasibility study. July 2005 — On the eve of the Paris air show, Bombardier unveils a full-scale mock-up of the CSeries cabin, with entry into service date of 2010. It confirms talks with Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop new engine. January 2006 — Bombardier puts CSeries program on hold because of market conditions, though it continues to develop the business plan. January 2007 — Bombardier refines business plan and holds talks with international partners. The new target date is 2013. July 2008 — Bombardier announces launch of CSeries program with Lufthansa interested in up to 60 aircraft. Mirabel is chosen as plant for final assembly, but Belfast will make the wings. June 2012 — Bombardier insists CSeries is on schedule for maiden flight by year’s end, with delivery still expected by end of 2013. November 2012 — Bombardier delays first flight until June 2013, with the aircraft expected to be in service by 2014. June 2013 — Bombardier says the CSeries jet will have first flight this month, but then delays it until end of July. Then delays it again. September 2013 — The CSeries jet takes off on a perfectly crisp day without any formal announcement. One executive causes confusion when he suggests the $3.4 billion (U.S.) program might come in at $3.94 billion. May 2014 — An engine fire on a CSeries jet grounds all flights. Company officials insist it shouldn’t delay entry into service, expected in second half of 2015. September 2014 — Test flights resume. Company says entry into service remains the second half of 2015. February 2015 — President and CEO Pierre Beaudoin becomes executive chairman, and his father Laurent retires. Officials acknowledge CSeries price tag has now ballooned to $5.4 billion (U.S.). March 2015 — Company officials say entry into service won’t happen until 2016. Vanessa Lu