Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
AIR INTERNATIONAL (Regional) (AI(R)) is proposing the development of a family of regional jets ranging from 95 to 140 seats as part of its bid to join China's Air Express AE-100 programme.
The European consortium is now moving into detailed negotiations with Aviation Industries of China (AVIC), following the signature in Paris of a letter of intent (LoI) to co-operate on developing a regional aircraft (Flight International, 17-23 April).
Three distinct versions of the aircraft are being discussed. The baseline design would centre on a 115- to 120-seat aircraft, with 95- to 115-seat and stretched 135- to 140-seat variants also, under consideration. The two smaller members of the family would share a common wing.
Further talks are also needed to determine the level of technology planned for the aircraft, such as fly-by-wire flight controls. It is hoped to maximise cockpit and avionics commonality with the existing Airbus Industrie A320 family.
AI(R) has scheduled a five to five-half-year development period from 1996 through to the aircraft's targeted entry into service in 2001. The programme includes 18 months of pre-development, to finalise the design and engine selection, three years of full-scale development and a final year of flight testing.
Boeing, in the meantime, continues to discuss with AVIC its own proposals for co-operation based on a 100- to 115-seat aircraft. A high-level team led by Boeing Commercial Airplane president Ron Woodard visited Beijing less than a week after the Paris signing.
Company sources have played down the significance of AI(R)'s LoI with AVIC, pointing out that Boeing also signed an extension to its existing memorandum of understanding on co-operation with China towards the end of March.
A Chinese source says: "The LoI is a step forward for AI(R), but it does not preclude any participation by Boeing. It serves as a political message to the US Government, but, in AVIC's mind, the door is still open for Boeing."
Following the submission of fresh proposals on 20 March, Boeing and AI(R) are both negotiating on taking a larger 30% stake in the AE-100 programme. Both expect a final selection in June.
Source: Flight International
