Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace today announced the cancellation of its CSeries airliner project, preferring to focus on developing projects with partners in "fast-growing aerospace markets". The decison comes after Flight International exclusively revealed that the Canadian manufacturer was to ditch the project and opt instead for participation in the Sukhoi-led Russian Regional Jet (RRJ).

Bombardier says in a statement just issued that "resources will be shifted" to the 80- to 100-seat regional jet and turboprop market. The company says present market conditions "do not justify the launch of the CSeries programme".

"This is the correct business decision given today's market dynamics," says Pierre Beaudoin, Bombardier Aerospace chief operating officer. The company says most CSeries employees will be redeployed.

However, the company adds that its "realignment decision" also includes "pursuing opportunities in the regional aircraft market, with emphasis on including other partners, particularly in fast-growing major aerospace markets." Senior industry sources told Flight International last week that Bombardier was on teh verge of joining Italian airframer Alenia Aeronautica (part of Finmeccania) in taking a sizable risk-sharing development stake in the RRJ. To read the full story, click the following link: Bombardier to ditch CSeries in favour of RRJ participation

JUSTIN WASTNAGE / LONDON