Bombardier’s CS100 has completed over 90% of its certification programme, and is soon to enter function and reliability testing ahead of a planned certification by end-2015.

The new stage of testing will subject the prototype to operations in airline-like conditions. This is to validate its readiness to enter service, the manufacturer says in a statement.

“This function and reliability testing will include airfield performance; landings and airport turnarounds; and on-ground operations – all to ready the CS100 aircraft for operation with Swiss in the first half of 2016,” says Rob Dewar, Bombardier’s vice-president CSeries Aircraft Programme.

“The function and reliability test flights, which will be conducted using typical airline flight routings and operational procedures, will include about 15 representative airports in Canada and 20 in the United States.”

The Canadian airframer made the announcement amid growing signs that it is seeking investors for the CSeries programme.

Last week, Airbus ended discussions with Bombardier on a partnership arrangement, and more recently there has been speculation that it will approach key rival Embraer for some form of tie-up related to the CSeries.