Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Delta Air Lines is discussing a major new order for the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) series and is studying a longer-term requirement for a larger 110-seat class aircraft.
Industry sources say the Atlanta, Georgia-based carrier is in talks with Bombardier to order a substantial number of extra CRJ200s and 700s. It is tipped as a potential customer for a proposed 90-seat stretched CRJ900 derivative.
Bombardier had hoped to be ready to launch the CRJ900 by the end of March, but this target has slipped into the second quarter. "Technically, it's moving along and we're confident of the product, but we've not completed the process of talking to customers," says the Canadian manufacturer.
Delta's two wholly owned subsidiary Connection carriers, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) and Comair, collectively operate, or have on order, 156 CRJ100/200s and 32 CRJ700s, with 167 options. Both airlines also seek jet aircraft with fewer than 50 seats, to replace their Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias.
ASA and Comair say that they are not looking at aircraft in the 90-seat class. Under Delta's scope clause agreement, its regional carriers are permitted to operate unlimited numbers of jets up to a 70-seat ceiling. The exemption is an unfulfilled provision to operate up to twenty 89-seat Avro RJ85s.
The labour agreement is due for renewal on May 2 and talks have begun. The airline says it does not seek to raise the 70-seat cap, but union officials say the issue is likely to be left to the last item on the agenda.
Delta is also studying a 110-seat aircraft and is understood to have a future requirement for up to 100. The fleet study is targeted for completion by the third quarter. The proposed Bombardier BRJ-X is being looked at.
The aircraft appear to be targeted at the carrier's low-cost Delta Express operation.
Source: Flight International
