Embraer says any decision to develop a new 70-seat regional jet will depend on restrictive US airline pilot scope clauses being revised. It believes current operating conditions do not favour committing to such a programme.
"The USA is the largest market and at present this market is closed to 70-seaters because of the scope clauses," says Embraer president Mauricio Botelho. The renegotiation of these agreements with pilots "-will open up tremendous opportunities, but the question is if and when this is going to happen", he adds.
Embraer is continuing to hold talks with Fairchild Dornier, as well as ATR, on collaboration. The Franco-Italian consortium has also initiated bilateral talks with the US company, but Embraer dismisses suggestions of a three-way link.
Source: Flight International
