Bombardier is looking to Asia as a potential supplier market for the CSeries programme. Several manufacturers from around the region, including China, have been asked to submit bids to produce major components.
Industry sources say China Aviation Industry I (AVIC I) has been approached by Bombardier to supply portions of the fuselage, and its Shenyang Aircraft subsidiary has expressed interest in the programme. But the sources say AVIC I is reluctant to join the programme as a risk- sharing partner and will probably not submit a bid. Sources say several other suppliers also see the programme as too risky and that this could prompt Bombardier’s board to decide against launching the aircraft.
Bombardier confirms the manufacturer is now “conducting technical and commercial discussions with a shortlist” of potential suppliers, but declines to provide more details or say who they are.
Source: Flight International
