The Hindu Business Line : Bombardier Aerospace bullish on India

Mr James E. Dailly, Vice-President International Sales, Bombardier Aerospace, at the Indira Gandhi International airport after addressing a press conference in the Capital on Tuesday. — Kamal Narang

New Delhi , March 9

CANADIAN aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace is bullish on the business potential in India. It hopes to sell more than 100 aircraft in the 20-90-seater category during the next five years.

The Bombardier Vice-President International Sales, Regional Aircraft, Mr James E. Dailly, told presspersons here that the company sees a market for sale of "aircraft in excess of 100" over the next five years, with most of the demand coming from the private sector.

"But there is also demand from the Government-owned airlines and we are working closely with Indian Airlines. Air Sahara already operates our aircraft and we hope to see them expand the number of our aircraft that they operate.

Besides, we have also seen strong interest from Jet Airways in our aircraft," Mr Dailly said.

Questioned as to why Jet Airways decided to acquire the ATR aircraft instead of the Q-400 aircraft, officials said that the new aircraft was not available when the domestic sector scheduled airlines was taking a decision to acquire aircraft.

Meanwhile, company officials who are touring India as part of an around-the-world demonstration flight for the Q-400 aircraft said that some of the new start-up airlines had also shown interest in the aircraft.

The Q-400 aircraft, which can carry 70 passengers in a single-class configuration, will give airlines the opportunity of operating non-stop flights not only between Delhi and Colombo but also between various cities within the country. Officials claimed that another advantage of the aircraft was that it could land on "unprepared" runways as well.

Officials said that the aircraft would also be ideal for airlines charging an average fare of $50 and operating on routes of up to 250 nautical miles.

The aircraft manufacturer has received firm orders for 103 Q-400 aircraft and delivered 78 till December 31 last year.