Bombardier comes to Paris in a positive mood despite a string of recent problems. The Canadian company is at the centre of a continuing subsidy row with the Brazilians. A major customer has delayed delivery of its aircraft. And sales of its Dash-8 Q400 turboprop regional aircraft have proved disappointing. But, says Bombardier Aerospace president Michael Graff, that just comes with the territory. "Shows like Paris give an ideal opportunity to take stock of where we are. And right now we are feeling good." Graff describes the company's Regional Jet business as "in good shape" and points to the recent delivery of the 500th RJ500 and an order book totalling 1,600. The RJ700 is in revenue service with Britair and Horizon, and the RJ900 is in flight test.
The continuing strike by Comair pilots - which may be resolved in the coming week - is affecting deliveries. But, says Graff, "We have enough demand to reallocate to other airlines, who are delighted to be getting aircraft earlier than planned." Meanwhile, the manufacturer is chasing new orders and has asked the US Government for a subsidy with a loan guarantee to support Northwest's planned purchase of between 60 and 75 regional jets worth up to $2.3 billion. Brazil¹s Embraer is up in arms about the request and has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Bombardier says it made the move only because Embraer was doing the same thing and had not fully complied with WTO directives to amend its export-financing subsidy programme. "What we are looking for is a level playing field," says Graff. "We were up against Embraer in 17 competitions and have asked for special help only once." Northwest is studying both manufacturers' proposals. Talking about the Dash-8 Q400, the quiet turboprop which has now entered revenue service with five airlines in Europe, North America and China. "The programme is doing very well," Graff says. "We have good reliability in service and we think that the market is watching to see if the airlines make the return we expect they will."
Source: Flight Daily News
