Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Bombardier has formally initiated the competition to power the planned BRJ-X regional aircraft family with the release of a request for proposals (RFP). It will also increase production of the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) Series 200 after another order from Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA).
Montreal-based Bombardier plans to launch a BRJ-X preliminary definition phase in early September. This will be open to all interested potential partners. The company intends to finalise its selection of risk sharing partners by November before the start of a joint concept definition phase.
One of the first decisions to be taken is the selection of a 19-22,000lb-thrust (85-98kN) class turbofan to power the aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is pushing to secure a second airframe application for the PW6000. It faces competition from the BMW Rolls-Royce BR715 and CFM International CFM56.
Bombardier is understood to be planning three versions of the BRJ-X, seating 90, 110 and 130 passengers, rather than produce a baseline aircraft and a single stretch. Industry sources suggest two different engine size fan diameters will be required.
Meanwhile, Bombardier is to increase CRJ production for the second time in less than 12 months. Under earlier plans, output at its main Dorval plant will reach 7.5 aircraft a month by October. This will rise to 9.5 aircraft a month by September next year and 600 workers are to be added to the 11,675people at the manufacturer's three Montreal facilities.
Orders for the 50-seat jet total 577, of which 250 are backlog. This includes ACA's follow-on purchase of 20 more CRJ-200s, which will complement 20 in service, 23 on order due for delivery by 2001 and 27 options. Delivery of the first four aircraft will start in September 2000,with six more following in 2001 and the remaining 10 in 2002.
ACA has created a new wholly owned subsidiary ACA Management Inc to take the 20 additional CRJ-200s. The move is a way of getting around existing scope clause restrictions on the number of regional jets operated by United Express carriers.
Source: Flight International
