MESA AIR GROUP has cancelled the remaining 13 of a 25-aircraft order for Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8-200 regional turboprops, citing delivery delays and technical problems. Options on a further 25 aircraft have been cancelled, but Mesa says that it will keep 12 Dash 8s already delivered.
Bombardier says that the delays were caused by late delivery of interiors by supplier Hunting Aviation, since replaced by C&D Interiors (Flight International, 12-19 February). Mesa also says that the Dash 8's cabin environmental-control and noise-suppression systems "-were not up to specification".
The manufacturer admits that the noise-suppression system was not available when the Dash 8s were delivered, but says that it has an agreement with Mesa to retrofit the aircraft.
The airline is in talks with Bombardier "to arrange a commercial resolution", but does not expect to face a penalty. The carrier admits that the losses caused by high costs associated with upgrading its operations to Part 121 standards may have contributed to its decision to curtail its Dash 8 order.
The cancellation does not affect Mesa's $320 million order for 16 Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets (CRJs).
Source: Flight International
