Boeing has postponed a decision on the future of its 717 production line as airline support for the rival Airbus A318 begins to weaken, which could force a delay to the programme. There are also indications of renewed Bombardier interest in the shelved BRJ-X, adding to the increasing state of flux in the 100-seat aircraft market.
Several industry sources confirm there is growing reluctance to take delivery of the A318 on the current programme schedule as a result of the market downturn. This is understood to include launch customer International Lease Finance, which is due to take the first 107-seat airliner in just over a year, but is not believed to have placed any of the 30 aircraft on order.
British Airways is also thought to want to reschedule the delivery of its 12 Pratt & Whitney PW6000-powered A318s, which had been due to start arriving in January 2003. America West has already said it was in talks over deferrals for an order, which includes 15 A318s. The order book for the aircraft totals 136 aircraft.
This raises the spectre of the CFM International CFM56-5 engine, which was selected by Air France for its 15 A318s, assuming the lead position on the programme. Despite recent technical setbacks with the PW6000, P&W claims the engine remains on schedule for certification shortly to support the start of A318 flight testing.
Airbus, which was unavailable for comment, is expected to delay rather than cancel the A318, particularly if Boeing reduces the competitive pressure by scrapping the 717. The US manufacturer had been scheduled to make a decision on 26 November, but this has been delayed.
The beneficiaries from any decision to discontinue the Boeing 717 line will be the planned Embraer 190/195 and Fairchild Dornier 928JET, particularly in the wake of BAE Systems' cancellation of the RJX and the move by US major carriers to boost regional jet flying.
Bombardier is also planning to renew contacts with potential vendors for the BRJ-X, according to sources.
Source: Flight International
