The CSeries aircraft contain 70 per cent advanced materials comprising 46 per cent composite materials and 24 per cent aluminium-lithium, which provides a 15 per cent lower seat-mile cost and a significant reduction in maintenance costs.

Premier's managing director, Stuart Grant, says: "Bombardier forecasts that over 60 per cent of today's 100- to 149-seat aircraft fleet will be retired by 2030. New generation aircraft such as the CSeries specifically designed for this segment will have superior economics, comfort, lightweight design and built-in operational flexibility. According to the company, 7,000 new aircraft will be delivered over the next 20 years, and the total fleet will grow from 5,200 to 9,200 units - an increase of 35 per cent."

The CSeries aircraft family will offer an operating cost advantage of 15 per cent and a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage; greatly reduced noise and emissions; as well as superior operational flexibility and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km). It will also provide passengers with widebody-style seating in a single-aisle aircraft.

To meet Bombardier forecast volumes the company will need to produce around 30 aircraft per month, with the CSeries currently projected to enter service in 2013. The advanced testing flight is expected in 2012.

The CSeries programme has several major suppliers including, Shenyang Aircraft (centre fuselage), Alenia Aeronautica (horizontal and vertical stabilisers), Fokker Elmo (wiring and interconnection systems), Parker Hannifin (fuel and hydraulics systems), Goodrich (flap and slat actuation systems, as well as engine nacelles), and Rockwell Collins (avionics).

With 35 knowledgeable staff Premier Deep Hole Drilling operates an aerospace standard OTIF (On Time, In Full) system, which allows customers to monitor delivery performance. Stuart Grant explains: "Working with our aerospace customers generates a number of benefits for everyone we supply. These include much more reliable and robust processes, scrap rates reduced by at least 90 per cent and delivery rates improved to better that 97 per cent OTIF."

An SC21 signatory and bronze award winner, Premier is certified to BS EN ISO 9002 and accredited to the AS9100 aerospace standard. The company also has an extensive list of customer approvals, including well-known aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Goodrich, Messier-Dowty and GE Aviation, as well as various customers in other sectors, which include defence, oil & gas and motorsport.

"We have invested a vast amount of time and committed to a substantial level of capital investment for equipment to support programmes such as the CSeries," Stuart Grant concludes. "It is good to see our efforts recognised by major suppliers in the industry."