CHINA AND SOUTH Korea have pushed back selection of a Western partner for the proposed Airexpress 100-seat regional-aircraft programme, to allow more time to evaluate the four competing proposals.
A final selection was expected to be taken in early October on a 20% partner from either Europe or the USA. The two Asian countries now hope to make a decision by the end of the year, says Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) president Zhu Yuli.
AVIC and its Korean Commercial Aircraft Development Consortium (KCDC) partner have received four different bids. The competitors consist of Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Aero International (Aerospatiale teamed with British Aerospace and Alenia), and Daimler-Benz with Fokker.
The selection has been partially delayed by a late submission, according to a KCDC source, and the inability of Aerospatiale and Daimler-Benz to agree on a common proposal, as was originally intended.
AVIC and KCDC are looking for a full risk- and revenue-sharing partner to supply key aerodynamic and avionics technology, sales and marketing and product support. Both countries are insisting on an Asian identity for the aircraft, with a single production line in Asia.
The selection of a partner will be on the basis of "...advanced technology and the willingness to transfer such technology to China", says Zhu, adding: "We don't expect a Western partner to take more than 20%."
It is unclear however, if any of the proposals submitted fully comply with these requirements. Boeing has made it clear its contribution is based on an injection of material rather than direct funding, while McDonnell Douglas is seeking to at least cover the upfront costs of its engineering support.
The Daimler-Benz/Fokker plan calls for twin production lines in Europe and Asia, while Aero International wants a more equitable 30%-plus programme stake. "We're talking about real European participation," says Aerospatiale senior executive vice-president Yves Michot.
Source: Flight International
