Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) is no longer interested in Bombardier Aerospace's C-Series CEO Akbar al Baker has stated. According to Reuters, al Baker said the programme's constant delays had forced Qatar Airways to consider other options.

"We have completely forgotten about it because you cannot wait indefinitely," he said in an interview on the sidelines of the ITB travel fair in Berlin.

The Qataris reportedly put talks with the Canadians about the possible purchase of C-Series jets on hold in 2012. Listed as a strong potential customer of the type since 2010, securing a sizeable order from a large Gulf-based carrier such Qatar Airways would have given the C-Series a much needed boost both in terms of backlog but also in terms of credibility.

Despite numerous delays, the A220-100 and its sister, the A220-300, have both made their maiden flights with testing currently underway. As such, the CS100 is set make its commercial debut during the second half of this year with the CS300 to follow early next year.

The C-Series has so far attracted a total of 243 firm orders - 63 CS-100s and 180 CS-300s - with options for 162 airframes.