Not long ago, Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, was ruling the skies. It had the inimitable C Series that was itching to give Boeing and Airbus a run. But all that is now over…
Just three years ago, Bombardier was the third lagest manufacturer of commercial aircraft in the world with an enviable portfolio and a C Series aircraft that looked like taking on the mighty Boeing and Airbus.
Not anymore. First to go was the C Series earlier this year to Airbus (and rechristened the A 220) and now the sale of the Q400 has reduced the mighty Canadian aerospace giant to a side player in what now continues to be a duopoly. What was put together bit by bit through acquisitions is now being dismantled bit by bit through multiple sales.
The only thing left on the table — apart from its thriving business aviation portfolio — is the CRJ regional jet and its aerostructures unit. But all signs seem to indicate that the CRJ will eventually be divested as well although Chief Executive Alain Bellemare insists Bombardier remains committed to CRJs. But, he concedes the programme has been losing money and says Bombardier is keeping options open.
“Bombardier is well positioned with our rail, business aircraft and aero-structures business,” said Chief Executive Alain Bellemare during a conference call with analysts post the third quarter earnings. “In the future, this will be where we will deploy our capital to [ensure] strong return on investment.”
The company, said Bellemare, is “sharpening its focus on our biggest growth opportunities”.
This story is from the December 2018 edition of Cruising Heights.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2018 edition of Cruising Heights.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New Terminal for Dehradun
The newly constructed terminal building at Dehradun Airport was officially inaugurated on February 14, representing a significant step forward in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the northern state.
Gearing up for Propulsive Efficiency ROLLS
Aero-engine manufacturers are accelerating the development of next-generation powerplants for commercial aviation. A special report
Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO gets back to work
The Indian human spaceflight programme has the potential to create an all-new aerospace ecosystem for setting up associated industries, boosting thousands of MSMEs in the sector and creating at least 15,000 jobs for Indian youth related to the domain. An in-depth report
Greenwash or Sustainability?
As the pressure to reduce their carbon footprint grows on airlines, the industry grapples with a complex set of options with no clear visible goal in sight. As things stand, the 2050 zero carbon goal seems pretty elusive.
Air Power and India's Northeast
India’s Northeast is being connected to the rest of India as never before. With the operationalisation of Hollongi Airport in Arunachal Pradesh state's capital of Itanagar, every state in the region is now connected with the rest of India. A report on the region and its aviation potential.
The real regional CONTENDERS
ATR and Embraer are bullish on market prospects for their regional transport aircraft A Special report
WINGS INDIA FLIES
The 2024 edition of Wings India conducted in February in Hyderabad saw the participation of all the industry heavyweights. There were a few orders and some interesting announcements. A Special report.
A321XLR: Likely delay in delivery!
Touted as a game-changer that could see single-aisle long-haul travel, the A321XLR has hit a roadblock in the form of regulatory issues surrounding its additional fuel tank that was to be fused directly into the fuselage. Added to that are supply chain woes. When all that was settled came news that the certification process has extended the timeline, with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledging that the process is taking longer than initially anticipated. The aircraft could now see a delay in the entry for service with the timeline moving to likely late 2024. An insight into the developments.
New Terminal for Dehradun
The newly constructed terminal building at Dehradun Airport was officially inaugurated on February 14, representing a significant step forward in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the northern state.
Gearing up for Propulsive Efficiency
Aero-engine manufacturers are accelerating the development of next-generation powerplants for commercial aviation. A special report