Company Watch - Bombardier.

For more company news, data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/professional.htm Jun 26, 2006

Turboprops are really making a comeback. They are said to be 25% more efficient fuel-wise than similar size pure jet equipment. ATR say that they have taken 137 orders for new aircraft since January 2005 and Bombardier's backlog for the Q300/400 stood at 83 aircraft at the end of April. Last week ATR confirmed an order with TransAsia Airways for two 72-500s to add to its present fleet of three ATR 72-200 and seven ATR 72-500. Since the beginning of the program, ATR has sold 808 aircraft (399 ATR 42s and 409 ATR 72s) and delivered 696 aircraft (384 ATR 42s and 312 ATR 72s). We show here one of the latest jetprops delivered, a Q300 in the colors of Euromanx. http://www.atraircraft.com http://www.aero.bombardier.com Jun 24, 2006

Bombardier said it continues to explore options for a CRJ900X that would seat 98-100 passengers as well as an extended version of the Q400 turboprop that would seat 78-100. But these models would not cross over ibto the CSeries product line, according to VP-Markets and Analysis Barry MacKinnon; "the CSeries is for mainline operators." Thus far the company has tallied 394 firm orders for the CRJ700/705/900, with some 40% of those orders from customers of the CRJ200, he said. MacKinnon also said Bombardier is keeping an eye on Sukhoi's RRJ program. Jun 20, 2006

Bombardier sticks with CSeries for now, looks to stretch CRJ900, Q400. Bombardier said it will stay with the proposed CSeries program at least through this year, with a scaled-back team of engineers working on technology development issues for the 110/130-seat jet and a concerted effort to boost interest in the aircraft from international customers.But the future after 2006 is unclear. Research shows there will be a $250 billion market for mainline aircraft in the 90/149-seat range over the next two decades, Boehm added. "This market needs a 100-seat product designed from the ground up." Bombardier unveiled the CSeries at the 2004 Farnborough Air Show, proposing two basic models, the C110 and C130, configured for either long- or short-haul travel between 1,800 and 3,000 nm. The following year at the Paris Air Show, it announced a preliminary agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada to supply the powerplant, which Boehm said remains in effect. Even so, the program has failed to capture a number of partners or, perhaps most importantly, a launch customer. In January, Bombardier put the CSeries on the back burner but pledged to keep it alive for at least this year with $100 million earmarked for continued development. Jun 20, 2006

Horizon Air today unveiled a 25th anniversary aircraft during an event at the airline's Operations Center at Portland International Airport. Hundreds of Horizon employees, their families and Port of Portland officials and other dignitaries gathered to be among the first to see the eye-catching design. The aircraft -- a Bombardier Q400 -- sports a vibrant paint scheme that celebrates Horizon's 25 years of service. The aircraft's base coat seamlessly blends all of Horizon's livery colors, from the past shades of orange to the present red and burgundy. A trail of festive ribbons and confetti extend across the fuselage, ending with a brushstroked "25" on the tail. Jun 20, 2006

Luxair ordered three 70-seat Q400s from Bombardier, worth $75.5 million at list prices. It also took three options. The company said last month that streamlining its fleet with the introduction of 70/90-seat aircraft was part of its effort to return its airline unit to profitability. It will take delivery of the Q400s next year and use them mainly on routes to London, Paris, Frankfurt and Munich. Luxair said its tour company eventually will operate 3-4 737s while the scheduled service airline will use nine regional aircraft. Bombardier has received 177 firm orders for the 70-seater. Jun 21, 2006

Twin Otter operated by Yeti Airlines crashed in Nepal June 21 while apparently attempting a go-around near Jumla. All nine persons onboard were killed, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The aircraft was en route to Jumla from Nepalganj after an intermediate stop in Surkhet. Jumla is situated in the mountains at an elevation of 9,400 ft. (2,875 m.). The crash occurred on a mountainside to the east of the airport. Jun 23, 2006