Aircraft

Negotiations are underway concerning the pace at which Hainan Airlines' regional subsidiary Grand China Express will take Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets.

Three ERJ-145s earmarked for delivery to Grand China Express during the third quarter were not delivered "due to a reduction in the growth of its fleet, and new delivery dates and quantities" that are now under discussion, Embraer revealed today.

The impact on the Brazilian manufacturer's Chinese joint venture Harbin Embraer is not immediately clear. All 50 ERJ-145s that Hainan ordered in August 2006 are being built at Harbin Embraer. Ten of these have already been delivered with 40 remaining.

"The three ERJ-145 aircraft not delivered are part of the 40 in the firm order backlog" still being listed by Embraer, confirms a spokeswoman.

Grand China also operates Embraer 190 aircraft. Embraer notes that the flow of deliveries for E-190s "continues unaltered". Six E-190s of a total 50-strong order for the type have already been delivered to the customer as of 30 September.