The show in Paris is over and the controversy that was created, relative to the Bombardier CSeries, advises me that it would have been prudent to wait for the final day.
The usual battle between the Big Two companies (Boeing and Airbus) dominated the media and, in my opinion, benefited Bombardier by highlighting their need to reconsider emerging technologies. The success of the A320neo with its new engine, juxtaposed with no response from Boeing for a B737 replacement was interesting.
Bombardier’s large customer, Republic, caused a stir by ordering 40 A320neo’s, which caused a negative reaction to Bombardier's stock price, and much debate amongst aviation pundits. Nevertheless, the consensus indicates that the CSeries will prove, overwhelmingly, that its cost savings will save airlines millions annually, compared to both the A320neo and the B737 compromise models.
The negative reviews regarding delivery delays related to new airframe construction technologies were given out of context — the technologies would be new for Boeing and Airbus, but Bombardier already applies these technologies throughout its present fleet of 4-abreast seating — the CSeries has simply expanded to a 5-abreast mode.
At the show, Bombardier came away with 56 total orders (including options) for the CSeries, from eight different customers, and many more for their other, existing aircraft, such as the Global series of business jets. With more than 200 orders (including options) for the CSeries, its future is secured, especially considering that the first flight is not scheduled until the end of 2012.
Personally, my curiosity is, now, directed to the ‘fly on the wall’ in WestJet’s boardroom as they discuss their future fleet of B737’s. Would it not be a proud moment for Canada if our best domestic airline used the CSeries aircraft.
You focused on Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier but what is threat from Brazil, China and even Russia. Certainly the Brazilians are not sleeping and the Chinese will be stealing technology from everyone. Russia has a lot of experience in design but may lack manufacturing capability. There are other manufacturers in the US like Gulf, Cessna and others who could find a critical niche.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment to my embryonic blog and accept the points that you raise. This postscript to my original blog was focussed on the CSeries aircraft and I realize that other manufacturers will be working hard to compete. Certainly, Embraer (Brazil) is, today, Bombardier's greatest competitor but does not have a model that equally competes with the CSeries; The Comac C919 (China) could become very competitive, considering that the CSeries fuselage centre-section is being made in China (Your remark about stealing technology is noted) but I suspect that major airlines would be wary of a new manufacturer — nevertheless, we should not forget the enormous needs of Chinese airlines. I do not see Russia as a competitor in the near future, and while Gulf and Cessna produce some beautiful business jets, I do not see them expanding into the manufacture of larger commercial aircraft in the near future.
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