Bombardier CSeries suffers setback as first client backs off

Sweden's Braathens Aviation said it no longer wishes to be the first operator of Bombardier's new CSeries jets, adding to the troubled Canadian manufacturer's woes.
"We have informed Bombardier that we will not assume the role of formal launch operator of the aircraft type," Braathens said in its second-quarter interim report published Friday.
"Due to increased uncertainty we are discussing other possible changes to the aircraft delivery schedule with Bombardier."
Braathens has ordered five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft, according to Bombardier.
Braathens cited "an engine related incident" on one of the CSeries test aircraft reported by Bombardier in late May.
"It has subsequently emerged that this may cause another delay to the CSeries introduction," the Swedish company said.
The announcement is the latest setback for Bombardier, which in July said it plans to cut 1,800 jobs to reduce costs and overheads.
The company could not immediately be reached for comment.
The aircraft-maker has had less than anticipated demand for its CSeries medium-range planes, which were first unveiled in 2008 before the start of the global financial crisis.
As of late June, it had received orders for 203 CSeries aircraft according to a statement on Bombardier's website.