31 January 2006

Bombardier shelves CSeries project

Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has shelved its planned 110 to 130-seater CSeries airliner as it shifts resources to work on regional jet and turboprop aircraft.

Bombardier announced that "present market conditions do not justify the launch of the CSeries jet at this time".

A spokesperson for Bombardier in Belfast said: "While the decision not to launch the CSeries at this time is disappointing, Bombardier has a strong growing order book especially for business jets in which Belfast plays a major role. There will be other Bombardier aircraft opportunities that we can address in the future.

"We understand the concern our employees have when faced with challenging market driven issues. More than anything, it underlines our need to work together to continually improve performance and become more competitive so that we can take advantage of new business opportunities when they arise.

"We very much appreciate the support of our Trade Unions who worked closely with us in supporting the development of the CSeries project over the last two years."

President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace, Pierre Beaudoin, said: ‘‘This is the correct business decision given today’s market dynamics. Our realignment decision is based on two years of extensive research, development and evaluation. We will now concurrently continue to explore the CSeries’ potential as well as pursue opportunities in the regional aircraft market.

"Our commitment to the upper end of the regional aircraft market and the lower end of the mainline market remains strong and we expect to fully exploit opportunities in these two markets in the future.”

In a statement the company said it would reorient CSeries project efforts, team and resources to regional jet and turboprop aircraft opportunities to address regional airlines’ future needs in the 80 to 100-seat aircraft market.

The majority of the CSeries employees will be redirected to the development of these regional aircraft opportunities.

A small team of employees will remain with the CSeries program to further develop its business plan, with emphasis on including other partners, particularly in fast-growing major aerospace markets.

(SP)