Bombardier to reduce CRJ aircraft production rate

Bombardier has taken a measured decision to reduce the production output of its CRJ aircraft, effective January 2012, to align with current market demand. As a result of mitigation actions, which include employee transfers to other current and in development aircraft programs at Bombardier Aerospace, no manpower impact is anticipated. “Although several sales campaigns for our CRJ aircraft are making progress and the long-term prospects for the CRJ program remain positive, the reduced pace of orders has made a review of our production plans necessary,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “For these reasons and after careful consideration, a CRJ aircraft production decrease is warranted in the short term. However, thanks to the support and collaboration of our union representatives, we do not anticipate that the rate reduction will have an impact on our workforce.” Bombardier’s guidance in terms of commercial aircraft deliveries for 2011 of approximately 90 aircraft remains relatively the same. Guidance for 2012 will be provided as usual after the end of the current fiscal year.