If Paris '97 has proved one thing, it is that regional jets are here to stay.
This morning, manufacturers can reflect that RJ order announcements this week topped $2.5billion, launch customers have stepped forward for two new programmes, and the jet has spread into both the 30 and the 70-seat market sectors.
Yet despite these clear endorsements of the RJ's future, some questions remain.
At the 30-seat end, Fairchild Dornier now has two launch customers for its 328JET and the prospect of at least one more US customer in the near future.
Orders from Proteus Airlines and Aspen Mountain Air are an important breakthrough for Fairchild Dornier. "The JET actually operates at less cost than some turboprops," says Fairchild Dornier president Jim Robinson, who firmly believes that the JET, which is based on the 328 turboprop airframe, has emerged into the marketplace at the right time.
"The JET is good news for Fairchild," says Robinson. "We are coming out early for the first time, so we are ahead of any competitors that may emerge later."
Continental Express has hinted strongly it might buy large numbers of 328JETs or Embraer EMB-135s and could make a decision as soon as August.
It is no coincidence that August is when Embraer hopes to launch the -135. David Siegel, president of Continental Express, is effusive in his praise of the 50-seat EMB-145s now being introduced into his fleet, saying they have provided profitable operation almost from day one.
Economics
Yet Bombardier's assertion that it is not yet convinced of the economics of the 30-seat jet and would prefer to let others lead the way merely confirms the suspicions that many feel about the viability of this market.
Stretching jets the opposite way, into the 70-seat market, also has its believers and sceptics.
Aero International (Regional) (AI(R)) has not launched its 70-seat AI(R)Jet as expected, but instead raised speculation of a merger by saying it would welcome a partner on this programme. "On risk and return on investment, we have not yet convinced our board," says AI(R) chief executive officer Patrick Gavin.
But Bombardier is off the ground with its Canadair CRJ-700 now that American Airlines' subsidiary AMR Eagle has announced its intention to order 25 of these aircraft, plus hold options on 25 more.
"We see great opportunities for a 70-passenger jet aircraft," says Peter Pappas, AMR's senior vice-president of planning.
And there look to be even more new RJs on their way.
Fairchild Dornier plans a 50-seat 528JET, and Embraer would like to complete its jet family with a 70-seater, the EMB-170.
It all comes down to something that Continental Express is already observing with relish.
"Customers love it," says Siegel of passenger reaction to the -145.
"We are finding that they actually prefer our aircraft over older narrowbodies, such as DC-9s, and where we use them to replace turboprops you cannot begin to describe their elation."
The turboprop, almost all manufacturers agree, will continue to have its role around the world.
But from now on, that role must forever be shared with the RJ.
Source: Flight Daily News
