At the Dubai air show in November we got a first glimpse at Bombardier's M170 product, its answer to the Gulfstream G650 in the long-range large-cabin business jet market. The aircraft is widely rumored to be set for its public debut at EBACE in Geneva in May. During Bombardier's briefing today I had an opportunity to ask David Dixon, head of Asia-Pacific for Bombardier business aircraft about what the future holds for this mystery aircraft. Mr. Dixon didn't show his company's hand, but certainly stirred the pot.
Jon Ostrower: Can you talk about the future potential for the M170 product you're looking at to take on the G650 as a clean sheet design and where that stands and when we can hope to hear more about it?
David Dixon: There isn't a new program launched at this point. That said, Bombardier has launched 25 airplanes since 1989, so we're always watching the market and responding to what the market needs.
I put it to you this way, take a look at what that product is [G650] it's actually playing catch up, it's not a bigger fuselage cabin, it has other features, it goes a bit further but it is just coming up to the Global Express so I think they're [Gulfstream] is trying to come along side, rather than overtake.
But watch this space, we're always looking at the market and we've maintained our investments historically, so I would say there will be new airplanes whether it's going to be competing with the 650 or any others, I don't know.
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