Bombardier shows off CSeries test planes in push for U.S. sales

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's Bombardier Inc has been showing its new medium-range CSeries jet to potential U.S. buyers, a spokeswoman said on Friday, as its test program advances after a summertime halt due to an engine problem. The Canadian planemaker is interested in showing the aircraft to a number of U.S. mainline carriers, including United Continental Holdings Inc , said spokeswoman Marianella Delabarrera. She declined to say who has seen it so far. "We're trying to capture as much of the interest as possible," said Delabarrera of the ongoing demo tour. "We really don't want to disrupt the flight testing if we can prevent that, but there are times when it's convenient." The closely watched CSeries is being tested at Bombardier's facilities in Mirabel, Quebec, and Wichita, Kansas. In an ambitious push into the competitive commercial jet market, the CSeries aircraft will compete with smaller offerings from Boeing Co and Airbus Group NV as well as Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA . Testing was halted in May after an on-ground engine fire, but resumed in September. The program has been plagued by delays and rising costs, worrying investors. One of the CSeries test planes went to Bombardier's regional sales office in Dallas in October. It also visited Republic Airways Holdings Inc which has a firm order for the CSeries, in Indianapolis. Delabarrera said some customers went to Dallas to see the plane, and others have visited Mirabel. (Corrects description of Republic Airways to show it is not a unit of American Airlines, in seventh paragraph, and full name of United in second paragraph) (Reporting by Allison Martell; Editing by Jeffreys Hodgson and Benkoe)