The Rise And Fall Of Bombardier
Cruising Heights|December 2018

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…

The Rise And Fall Of Bombardier

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 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

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 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRUISING HEIGHTSView All
Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India
Cruising Heights

Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the largest private airport operator in India, and Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise AAHL’s international airport operations and passenger experience across the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES
Cruising Heights

ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), as analysed by M P RAJASEKHARAN, explores solutions for reducing urban congestion and enhancing access to remote locations through sustainable, automated air transport systems, addressing key challenges and future opportunities in this evolving sector.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH
Cruising Heights

ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH

The growth of regional airlines in India will increase the market for regional jetliners.

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS
Cruising Heights

BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS

The Boeing machinist strike has stalled aircraft deliveries, directly affecting Akasa Air and Air India Express, both of which are now facing delays in their fleet expansion efforts, highlights

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE
Cruising Heights

REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE

Karnataka's push for regional air connectivity has led to a surge in airport infrastructure, yet many of these airports face challenges like fluctuating demand and limited flight frequencies. While the UDAN scheme has supported growth, the long-term viability of several regional airports remains uncertain, highlights

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES
Cruising Heights

'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES

India's pharmaceutical sector, has achieved remarkable growth, but faces significant supply chain hurdles, including high logistics costs and limited cold chain facilities. Addressing these challenges is essential to sustain its global impact and future expansion, reports

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS
Cruising Heights

BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS

The DGCA's winter 2024 schedule approves 25,007 weekly flights, marking growth for Indian carriers, with Air India Express leading in expansion and Vistara set to merge with Air India, analyses

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT
Cruising Heights

AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT

Indian airports are placing a greater emphasis on digitalisation and enhancing their eco-friendly credentials, updates

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
THROTTLING AHEAD
Cruising Heights

THROTTLING AHEAD

The situation with the grounding of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines is now trending downwards, a report

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN
Cruising Heights

Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN

As heli-taxis falter, electric air taxis promise to transform urban connectivity. Yet, scalability, regulations, and operational challenges must be overcome for them to deliver efficient, affordable city-airport travel, reviews

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024