CRJs Now Total 1,400

"The quietest roaring success ever in the regional aircraft industry" is how Bombardier describes the booming sales of its CRJ series of regional airliners. A few days ago the 400th 50-seat CRJ was delivered to Utah-based Sky West Airlines, less that eight years after the first entered service with Lufthansa Cityline in November 1992.

The project was launched with a predicted breakeven of 400 units. Orders, including options and aircraft already delivered, now total 1,400. The 70-seat Series 700 is being readied for service next year and design is underway on Bombardier's entry into the 90-seater market, the CRJ900.

Japan Air Lines has signed a $140 million-plus, 10-year maintenance and overhaul contract with GE Engine Services Malaysia to maintain and overhaul the CFM56 engines which power the 737-400s of its Okinawa-based subsidiary, Japan TransOcean Air. The Subang-based engine shop is a joint venture owned by GE and Malaysian Airlines. Employing 300 people, it also maintains PW4000 engines.

By Bob Rodwell