C-series Aircraft 0 - Let the Test Begin!

Looks like Bombardier's all new Cseries has officially started the final phases of ground testing on Aircraft 0 (Zero), a vitual test!  Well, definitely an extremely good news that our proudly Canadian made brand new single aisle aircraft is very to close to its scheduled first flight in December 2012 - yes, indeed, on time!  Compared to other newly designed aircraft in recent years by **other** manufacturers, which had 2 to 3 years of delays, Bombardier is hitting its target fairly well.  I mean, unless all the delays and chaos are hidden, I doubt that the company will withhold information regarding such long-term delays until now.  It is a company on the stock market after all, and they should know better to be more transparent if something had been going wrong.  

The recent Farnborough Airshow had increased another 35 orders for the Cseries, 15 by an unidentified customer, and 20 by airBaltic.  There has also been news about Air Asia's intent for order if Bombardier can alter the aircraft up to 160 seats.  The current CS100s and CS300s have an "ER" (Extended Range) variant (E.g. CS100 vs CS100ER).  Both the regular CS100 and CS300 have a range of  4,074 km, while their ER variants have a range of 5,463 km.  With Extended Range, both series have more than enough range to fly direct from YVR to HNL, and a tight direct flight from YUL to LHR.  This means, a CS300ER with up to 145 seats in a single class cabin can potentially replace WJ's 738s from YVR to HNL (though yes, the 738s can do approximately 160 PAX).  Perhaps, during less busy seasons for this route?  

All I can say now is that I am very proud and excited for the Cseries!  Can't wait to be there for First Flight!  Are you going?   

A rendered photo of a CS300
(Photo from Bombardier.com)

Commencing testing on Aircraft 0
How I wish I can be part of the Cseries Team! 
(Photo from bombardier.com)