Bombardier Aerospace and Gulf Air disclosed Tuesday that a previous firm order for 10 CS100 aircraft, with options for an additional six aircraft, was placed by Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The firm order was announced by Bombardier on June 20, 2011. The CSeries aircraft was selected following a detailed and thorough evaluation, including other competing aircraft, conducted by Gulf Air in accordance with the Bahrain Tender Board rules.

Bombardier Aerospace and Gulf Air confirmed they were working together to ensure that the CSeries aircraft meets the goals of the airline’s ongoing restructuring, in line with its mandate to achieve long-term sustainability.

“Over the past four years, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has tripled its aircraft representation in the Middle East and Africa, and altogether, more than 200 Q-Series turboprops, CRJ Series regional jets and CSeries aircraft are in service with, or have been ordered by, operators in the Middle East and Africa,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“More than 2,600 Q-Series and CRJ Series commercial aircraft have been delivered to operators around the world, covering all continents and operating in diverse and often challenging terrains,” he added.

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100% new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer 15% cash operating cost advantage and a 20% fuel burn advantage.

With the extra capacity seating option, the CS300 aircraft’s productivity further improves, offering airlines an average of 4% additional cash operating cost advantage per seat.

The CSeries aircraft’s clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km).

The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs. (5,443 kg) lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

As of March 31, 2013, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft, which includes firm orders for 145 CSeries airliners.