Fairchild Aerospace believes the regional jet industry is poised at the "beginning of a revolution" that will be even more dramatic over the next 10 years than in recent times.
Carl Albert, Fairchild Aerospace chairman and chief executive, believes the revolution will come in the 50-plus seat sector, where he sees regional airlines demanding larger cabins, more comfort and even two-class aircraft. "The whole blur of regionals and majors will become fuzzier with the 90-seater," he says.
Fairchild's range of regional jets extends from the 30-seater 328JET up to the 90-seater 928JET. While orders have been sparse, it has received a launch order from Lufthansa for the 70-seater 728JET. Skyways of Wisconsin will begin taking delivery of its 328JETs in July. Albert says current orders and options stand at $6.7 billion and the company is "working hard" for a Crossair order expected in June.
Source: Airline Business
