Both Bombardier and Embraer have been swift to deny that they have spoken with Aero International (Regional) (AI(R)) about possible consolidation.
AI(R)'s announcement that the prospect of consolidation is one of the reasons why it is holding back on launch of the 70-seat AI(R)Jet seems not to hold special meaning for Bombardier or Embraer.
Bob Brown, president and chief operating officer of Bombardier Aerospace, makes his lack of interest in any merger quite clear.
"We are not going to be a partner with them. We were the first to market with the 50-seater and because it was a derivative, we were able to move development quickly and cost-effectively.
"The same is true of the 70-seater, which will be launched before any other and again is a derivative.
"Anyone who wants to enter that particular sector of the market has to think very carefully about the development costs. I understand the difficulty people are having with deciding whether to enter the market."
Curious
At Embraer, meanwhile, president and chief executive officer Mauricio Botelho says there have been no negotiations, but he at least seems curious about what AI(R) has in mind.
"We have not heard from them and I don't know what their feelings are," he says. "But I am very pleased to welcome any movement because they are ahead of us."
Embraer will not make a firm decision to launch its EMB-170 until the end of the year.
Source: Flight Daily News
