The strong recovery of the regional manufacturing sector continued during the first half of 2007, with the 275 orders during the first half of the year representing a three-fold increase compared with the same period in 2006. This was thanks to a resurgence in demand for jets and the continuing recovery of the turboprop. There was also a 10% increase in output - although this was driven entirely by the propeller-driven types, as shipments of regional jets continue to decline.
Data just released by Bombardier for the first six months of its financial year (31 January to 31 July) shows that the Canadian manufacturer's revamped CRJ family has enjoyed a revival. The recently expanded family - it now includes the 100-seat CRJ1000 variant - securing 107 net orders. With Embraer booking just 37 orders for its ERJ and E-Jet models, the CRJ success saw the Canadian company outsell its rival in the jet sector.
Bombardier's success was repeated in the turboprop market, where its 68 orders for the QSeries put it slightly ahead of ATR, which booked 63 sales. The two sectors were fairly evenly balanced, with jet orders just edging out the turboprops 144 to 131.
In output terms, the divide between jets and turboprops continues to recede, with the 25 aircraft difference being the lowest this decade. Jet output declined 10% in the first half to 73 aircraft. Both manufacturers recorded year-on-year falls, although Embraer retains top spot in the jet production stakes with a 64% market share.
Turboprop shipments increased by two-thirds to 48 aircraft, with Bombardier leading its rival and delivering over 60% of the total.
The regional backlog has grown 20% since the end of last year to 890 aircraft, although it is the turboprops that have driven the expansion with a 40% increase, against just 13% for the jets.
Embraer retains its healthy lead in the regional backlog stakes with its 450 aircraft giving it a 50% share of the entire sector, and 74% of the jet market. While Bombardier trails its rivals in backlog in both the jet and turboprop sectors, its duel-product strategy gives it a 30% share across the entire regional market with its combined backlog of CRJs and QSeries totalling 270 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
