Aircraft

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

The government has asked state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics to formulate a plan for the design and construction of an Indian regional jet, say local media reports. Assistance will be sought from Bombardier or Embraer, the reports say. HAL was not immediately available for comment.

Bombardier 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.

HAL is likely to be the production house for India's first civil transport aircraft, the Saras 14-seat multi-role twin turboprop now in testing. India plans to certificate the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT64-66-powered aircraft to US Federal Aviation Administration Part 25 air transport standards by 2010 for sales in the air taxi, commercial and military VIP markets.