Bombardier's decision not to make a bid for near-bankrupt Fairchild Dornier was a financial one and had nothing to do with upsetting the ‘delicate balance' of the regional jet market, it was said at the show.
The decision followed a financial evaluation, according to Pierre Beaudoin, Bombardier president and chief operating officer. Speaking on Sunday as Bombardier unveiled the new Learjet 40, he was asked how close the Canadian company had come to a deal for the US-German business currently in administration.
"We made a technical evaluation. That confirmed to us that the product was sound and viable. Our subsequent financial evaluation led us to the decision not to pursue the purchase."
Embraer's concerns that a deal between Bombardier and Fairchild Dornier would disturb the ‘delicate balance' of the regional jet market, had nothing to do with his company's decision, he says. "The decision was made for financial reasons alone."
He refused to be drawn on whether that decision would be unchanged should Fairchild Dornier file for bankruptcy. That would change the financial circumstances surrounding Fairchild Dornier, so speculation remains that a future deal could still be pulled from the hat.
Source: Flight Daily News
