Scott Says Airlines Are "Excited" About Company's New Program

Is there any reason Bombardier shouldn't build a new 110- to 135 passenger airliner?

Heck, Gary Scott can't think of one.

In spite of the financial turbulence buffeting the airline industry, in spite of the rising costs of fuel, the chief of Bombardier's new commercial aircraft division says air carriers "are excited about it.

"There's no question there's a market out there," Scott was reported saying to the Canadian Press.

Scott, who once managed Boeing's 737 program (yeah, the most successful aircraft Boeing ever made), said he thinks the program he's put together at Bombardier is compelling. But, with a coyness reminiscent of Boeing's courtship with the 7E7, Scott said, "My job is to pull it all together and take the case to the (company) leadership and let them decide."

The new aircraft has already been defined, he said, and will appear in two versions: one will carry 110-115 passengers. The other will carry up to 135.

If Scott is right -- if the commercial aircraft market is really turning toward more and more regional jets, he believes the genre can capture $250 billion in revenue. What will it take for Bombardier to make its new aircraft -- and new aircraft division -- a success? Scott said it'll take about 25-percent of that market.

FMI: www.bombardier.com