Bombardier: restore the pride Your story "Bombardier fleshes out design for new jet family" (Flight International, 1-7 February) is another prime example of the inherent dangers of a newly appointed breed of senior management leading a corporation down a path of almost certain financial hardship. Bombardier new commercial aircraft programme president Gary Scott's tendencies towards his US grassroots are reflected with considerations of CSeries assembly in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Regrettably, the only visible connection to the Canadian airframe manufacturer's family heritage in Albuquerque is the last three letters of the name - que, which are shared by Quebec, the home province of Armand and the legendary name. Bombardier is the pride of Quebec in Canadian aviation history. Montreal is the aviation capital of Canada. Industry has recognised the risk in developing a new airframe and powerplant simultaneously. The Challenger 600 programme in 1976 should be a case study. After much introspection, it was recognised as the first widebody business jet. The Bombardier interest in Canadair and Laurent Beaudoin's visionary accounting skills and demeanour created an unmatched standard of business aircraft. In 2005, the passion and personalities of people such as Bob Brown, John Lawson and John Holding are distant memories. Next-generation management has hired twenty-something-year old, blue-haired craftsmen building airframes and cabinets. Mr Beaudoin has eloquently returned to join forces with his son Pierre. In essence, he has taken the reins of salvation, as he did with Canadair. Canadians and Quebecers continue to hold faith in our hearts that lightning can strike twice. Name and address supplied
Aviation pays its way Your article "Carriers face twin attack on pollution" (Flight International, 22-28 February) began with an inaccurate statement that I must correct. Airlines already pay a significant contribution toward their climate change impact through Air Passenger Duty which raises almost £1 billion ($530 million) each year for the UK state, not a penny of which is used to address environmental impacts. This charge is equivalent to over one and a half times the carbon cost of UK air travel - even assuming the rather inflated value for carbon used by the government in its Air Transport White Paper. Aviation generates a very small proportion of global man-made carbon dioxide (2% to 3%), but that proportion is likely to rise as demand for air travel grows. The UK industry agrees that taxes or charges are very blunt instruments when trying to deal with issues such as climate change, and believes they should be replaced by open international emissions trading. It is in the industry's long-term interests to support an international strategy on this issue so that air travel can play its part, together with all other contributing activities, in addressing this global challenge in a way this is economically efficient and focused on emissions, not government income. Roger Wiltshire Secretary General, British Air Transport Association, London, UK
Diamond and TAE: no rift Diamond Aircraft Industries is writing this letter regarding the recent article in Flight International (22-28 February) that is misleading with regard to the relationship between turbo-diesel engine supplier Thielert Aircraft Engines (TAE) and Diamond Aircraft, and confusing regarding the turbo-diesel program. The article implies that a "rift" with TAE may have occurred. This is not the case, Diamond and TAE have a strong relationship as evidenced by the continuing DA40TDI and DA42 Twin Star TDI programmes. Diamond was TAE's first OEM application and both partners recognised the commitment necessary to pioneer alternative fuel aero piston engines and remain dedicated to the successful widespread introduction of same. Diamond and TAE have jointly introduced diesel/jet fuel engines to modern general aviation. There is a sizeable fleet in current service and we are continuing to grow this fleet as we continue deliveries of the single engine model and are about to deliver the first of the DA42 Twin Stars. Diamond and TAE are jointly dedicated to fully serving their current and future customers. Christian Dries Chief executive, Diamond Aircraft Industries, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Frank Thielert Chief executive, Thielert Aircraft Engines, Lichtenstein, Germany
Put us out of our misery Surely it is now time to put us all out of our misery and give David Connolly of Brussels, Belgium the Editor's job with Flight International.
Rather than dedicate space to him every week in the letters page why not let him have the "comment" section at the front of the magazine.
This may satisfy his ego.
R Barnett Manchester, UK
Source: Flight International