Bombardier is considering developing a version of its new CRJ Atmosphere cabin for its Q400 turboprop as the company renews its regional aircraft focus, says Bombardier president of commercial aircraft Fred Cromer.
The Canadian manufacturer has been promoting its new CRJ Atmosphere cabin since last year, touting the product as providing a more-comfortable experience for passengers.
"We learned a lot from the Atmosphere cabin. I think there is an opportunity to [apply] that to the Q400," Cromer tells reporters on 21 June. "We'll see if that makes sense from the customer's point of view."
Cromer made his comments during a media event in Montreal during which he and other executives reviewed the company's strategy post 1 July, when Bombardier expects to close a CSeries deal with Airbus.
With that agreement, which regulators have already approved, Airbus will assume majority ownership of CSeries, leaving Bombardier's commercial division with two aircraft, the Q400 and CRJ series.
Cromer says Bombardier is now doubling its focus on those products.
Last year, Bombardier unveiled the new CRJ Atmosphere cabin, which has larger overhead bins and lavatories and other improvements, the company says.
Bombardier will display its Atmosphere cabin in a CRJ900 in July during the Farnborough air show. The company expects to deliver the first aircraft with the cabin, a CRJ900, to Delta Air Lines this year.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
