Bombardier flew a C Series CS100 with a representative payload non-stop from London City Airport (LCY) to New York JFK Airport in New York City following the completion of demonstration tests for the steep-approach, short-field landing at LCY, the airframer announced Monday.

“The C Series is the only commercial aircraft that was specifically designed for operations at LCY and we are very proud of its performance,” said Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s C Series program vice president, Rob Dewar. “The aircraft smoothly performed all eight takeoffs and landings during a two-day period, as planned.”

Bombardier expects the CS100 to receive Transport Canada and EASA certifications for steep approach landings at London City in the second quarter of this year. Launch customer Swiss International Airlines plans to become the first operator of the C Series into and out of LCY “later this year.” Bombardier calls the CS100 the only economically viable option for direct commercial flights from London City to JFK.

Steep takeoff and approach requirements at London City call for a 5.5 degree glideslope, and Bombardier must test and validate the C Series to 8.5 degrees to qualify to operate there. In its full 108-seat cabin layout, the CS100 can fly some 2,350 nautical miles into and out of London City. It can reach New York from LCY in a 42-passenger configuration. British Airways’ Airbus A318 flies 36 passengers on that route with a stop in Shannon, Ireland, for refueling. Late last summer it cut the frequency on the route from twice to once a day.