But Negotiations Abruptly Ended When Discussions Became Public

In an effort to prop up its efforts to bring the C Series airliner to market, Bombardier reportedly approached Airbus about investing in the airplane, to the point of having a controlling stake in the single-aisle jet.

But shortly after those talks became public, Airbus bowed out of the discussions, leaving Bombardier with few options.

Reuters reports that it was the outlet that broke the news about the talks, and that Airbus ended them shortly after the information was published.

Both sides acknowledge the discussions. In a statement posted on its website, Airbus Group confirmed that it "has been exploring business opportunities with Canada-based Bombardier Inc. and that such discussions are no longer being pursued.

The Group will refrain from any further comment."

Bombardier said in a news release that following the Airbus Group's statement that the Group "held talks with Bombardier regarding certain business opportunities, Bombardier confirms that such discussions occurred and are no longer being pursued. As previously mentioned, Bombardier will continue to explore initiatives such as a potential participation in industry consolidation. The Corporation will neither comment nor speculate on the potential outcomes of its commercial discussions."

Reuters reports that Bombardier is unlikely to turn to Boeing, which has fairly close ties with Embraer, a Bombardier competitor in the regional and business jet market.

Bombardier has 243 firm orders for the C Series airliner, but did not win any new orders at the Paris Air Show this year. The company had hoped for 300 firm orders by the time the first airplane is scheduled to be delivered in 2016.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.bombardier.com