Aero International (Regional) (AI(R) is in last-minute talks with potential partners on its planned Airjet family of regional jets as it nears a decision on whether to go ahead with the 70-seat aircraft.
Embraer, Saab and Aerostructures are all competing to supply the wing, although the US firm is bidding commercially rather than as a risk-sharing partner.
Saab offers a better solution logistically, while Embraer could offer a development of the wing designed for the EMB-145. The Brazilian company has already undertaken initial study work on the new wing as part of its own proposed 70-seat programme.
One AI(R) source says: "Embraer has a very attractive cost base, and has succeeded well with its 50-seater. We would very much like to accommodate Embraer and Saab in the programme, as part of a strategy aimed at consolidating the regional-aircraft industry around the AI(R) Jet programme. They both have excellent capabilities"
AI(R) member British Aerospace was expected to build the wing, and a decision to place the work elsewhere would put a question mark over the degree of its involvement in the programme. UK concerns over the viability of the project are in part the cause of the several months' delay in launching the programme.
Sources say that a go-ahead before the end of 1997 is imperative if AI(R) is to stay in the race to compete with the 70-seater planned by Bombardier. "If we don't launch this aircraft soon," says the high-ranking source, "there will be no regional jet. This is the last chance." Commercial launch is critical within the next three months, says the source.
South Korea and Taiwan have indicated that they will join the programme as risk-sharing partners, and negotiations are also continuing with Fokker Aircraft and Lockheed Martin.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada/ Snecma SPW-14 turbofan is believed to have been successful in the technical selection to power the Airjet regional jets.
Source: Flight International
