Aircraft

India is reportedly seeking to partner with either Bombardier or Embraer to build a new 70- to 100-seat regional jet.

According to reports out of India, the government has asked state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) to formulate a plan for the design and construction of an Indian Regional Jet (IRJ). Assistance will be sought from Bombardier or Embraer.

Commenting on today's reports, a Bombardier spokesman says: "We do not have any industrial arrangement with HAL on commercial aircraft at this time and we do not comment on discussion with aerospace companies on future programmes."

Embraer could not be immediately reached for comment.

ATI sister publication Flight International last week reported that HAL is likely to be the production house for India's very first civil transport aircraft, a 14-seat multi-role twin turboprop now in testing.

India plans to certificate the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT64-66-powered aircraft to US FAA Part 25 air transport standards for sales in the air taxi, commercial and military VIP markets by the 2010 timeframe.