Bombardier plans to cease offering its current model CRJs (Canadair Regional Jet) once the assembly line for production of its new next generation series of regional jets, CRJ NextGen, is fully operational.
The Canadian manufacturer yesterday unveiled plans to incorporate features being offered on the stretched version of its CRJ900 – the new CRJ1000 - into its CRJ700 and CRJ900s.
This includes an all-new cabin and the increased use of composite materials, including “composite-made flaps”, which will be manufactured in Belfast, according to a company spokesman.
CRJ customers that have signed for current-model CRJ700s and CRJ900s will continue to receive delivery of these aircraft depending on the terms of their contracts with the manufacturer.
This is being handled on a “case-by-case basis”, said the spokesman, noting: “Some customers have signed for regular versions and some have signed for NextGen.”
However, he said, once the assembly line for production of CRJ NextGen is ramped up, the current models “will not be offered any more”.
He could not disclose a timeline for this transition.
Northwest Airlines’ regional subsidiary Mesaba is launching the CRJ900 NextGen. The aircraft has already been delivered to the carrier and is undergoing proving runs.
The aircraft is expected to be on display at Washington Dulles next week, and at the Paris air show.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
