CS100

Bombardier is reportedly planning to design and build passenger aircraft in China in collaboration with state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

The companies are already working on programme covering common systems, including cockpit and electrical systems for the C919 and CSeries airliners, as part of a deal signed in 2012.

Bombardier commercial aircraft division president Mike Arcamone was quoted by Reuters as saying: "We are thinking long-term in China.

"One day we might decide to do a project together, a joint venture. Right now, we are only talking about collaboration."

The C919 and 150-seat CSeries are designed to compete with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The CSeries jet has logged 243 firm orders, while C919 has 430 orders with majority from regional markets.

"One day we might decide to do a project together, a joint venture."

Bombardier has already faced a series of delays and rising costs in the development of CSeries, which is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2015.

The CSeries flight test programme was halted in May after an on-ground engine fire; however, it was resumed in September.

First flight of the C919 is pushed to 2015 from the planned this year due to lack of technology expertise with domestic producers to drive the project. The aircraft is scheduled for deliveries in 2018.

Bombardier North Asia sales vice-president Andy Solem told the news agency: "The CSeries is smaller than the C919, they really do not compete head to head.

"There is always going to be some small overlap, but generally they are more complementary as a fleet mix."

Image: Bombardier and COMAC have been working on common systems for the C919 and CSeries airliners. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

Defence Technology