A UK start-up that plans to launch operations from London City Airport has been confirmed as a customer for the CSeries, the new modern generation airliner being developed by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace. Odyssey Airlines hit the headlines in late 2011 after a Reuters ‘exclusive’ revealed that the carrier had placed an order for the CSeries earlier in the year, but these reports have remained unconfirmed up until this week’s announcement at the Paris Air Show.

At a press conference during the biennial show at Le Bourget Airport in Paris on June 17, 2013, Bombardier Aerospace confirmed that Odyssey Airlines was indeed an unannounced customer for the CSeries and that it placed a firm commitment for ten CS100 aircraft in June 2011 at the last Paris Air Show, valued at around $630 million at list prices.

"Over the last two years, Bombardier has seen Odyssey evolve into a forward-thinking and up-and-coming airline. We are thrilled to publicly welcome Odyssey Airlines to the family of CS100 aircraft operators," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft at the announcement. "The CSeries aircraft's premium cabin, reduced environmental footprint and fantastic ability to serve a wide range of missions are the perfect pairing to Odyssey's business plan," he added.

The precise plans of the start-up remain vague, although The HUB can confirm it will operate from a base at London City Airport. According to the original Reuters report, the airline plans Business Class-only operations from the Docklands facility including a non-stop route to New York in direct competition with British Airways. The carrier’s Chief Executive Officer, Adam D. Scott refused to be drawn on its precise network but suggested medium- and long-haul routes will form the backbone of its operations

"We are launching Odyssey Airlines with the CS100 aircraft because its transcontinental range will allow us to connect key city airports with stringent performance and environmental requirements both in Europe and further afield. We have a unique strategy that will offer a premier service with a focus on new destinations that cannot currently be served from London City Airport,” he explained.

“For us, the game-changing CSeries aircraft offers the best-in-class airfield performance, the lowest sound profile of any commercial aircraft in production in its segment, and will provide the ability to open new markets -- all of which are integral to our business model," he added.

An investigation into Odyssey Airlines shows that the company was formally incorporated in September 2010 and is headquartered at a business property at Borough High Street in London. It currently has just a single registered director, a Mr Adam Scott, born 1979, who is also listed as a director for Calypso Aviation, formed in February 2012 at the same business address of Odyssey Airlines with the purpose to rent air transport equipment.