In the Jan. 3 edition of Regional Aviation News, Roundtable asked: Should Bombardier move ahead with the plans for a new jetliner that can carry 110 to 135 passengers? Do you see the regionals or the major networks buying this aircraft?

Paul Winstanley
Designer
Bombardier Interiors Completion
Centre Montreal
(514) 420 4000 ext 2721
paul.winstanley@aero.bombardier.com

Lets make it clear, Bombardier did not build a jet the last time around, it was virtually given a 'platform aircraft' to build its line of very successful jets by the then Tory government of Canada.

It was the savvy of the Bombardier family that exploited this business opportunity to make it now a very proud Canadian company.

So, as to your question as to 'Should Bombardier build a larger jet?'

The direct answer to your question is no, and here's why: The Bombardier family is an expert at seeking out and buying up companies in distress, for example Learjet of the U.S. and Shorts Brothers of the U.K. There is an American/German company called Fairchild-Dornier in distress/recievership who developed and almost completed a brand new design of a wide-body commuter jet called the Fairchild-Dornier 728/928. This is a 5 abreast 3 and 2 design seating configuration with a 70 to 90 seat capacity.

It is a perfect 'platform aircraft' with which Bombardier could exploit by extending the aircraft's capacity to hit the market at which it is seeking to make. The company that presently owns the F-D 728/928 - D'Long of China - is in receivership. The purchase...would give the jump start needed to catch up with Embraer.

Editor's Note: This is Mr. Winstanley's personal opinion and not Bombardier's. Prior to working for Bombardier, he worked for Fairchild-Dornier in Germany.