American Eagle and Continental Express have launched competitions for a combined total of up to 250 regional jets in the 30- to 40-seat category, effectively signalling the beginning of what is being seen as another regional-jet buying frenzy in the US industry.
The competitions are a two-horse race between Embraer, with its proposed EMB-135, and Fairchild Dornier, offering its 328JET, and could prove an important test for both programmes.
Bids have already been submitted to Continental Express, which is expected to make a final decision by the end of the year, placing a firm order for 50 aircraft, with options on a further 50. American Eagle, which is looking for 75 firm orders and 75 options, is not expected to select a winning design until early 1998.
Both regional operators are accelerating their push towards becoming predominantly jet-equipped carriers. Continental Express ultimately plans to operate an all-jet fleet, starting with changes at its Newark hub.
Although Embraer has already won significant business from both airlines, with 267 orders and options for its EMB-145, the case for the smaller Brazilian derivative is less clear. While Embraer and Allison, which makes the regional jet's AE3007 engine, claim the obvious advantage of commonality, the Fairchild Dornier 328JET is due to be rolled out at Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, on 6 December, with the first flight scheduled for 20 January, 1998.
Fairchild Dornier has also revealed new details of a 42- to 44-seat version, the 428JET. This could be launched after a 70-seat, all-new, low-wing design which may go ahead in April 1998. It will sell for $12.5 million, compared to $9.5 million for the 328JET.
Source: Flight International
