A multinational manufacturer of ships, industrial machinery, and aircraft headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, recently entered into an agreement to acquire the regional jet program from a Montreal-based manufacturer of regional airliners, business jets, and equipment for public transport.
“We are very pleased to announce this agreement, which represents the completion of Bombardier’s aerospace transformation. We are confident that MHI’s acquisition of the program is the best solution for airline customers, employees and shareholders. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition,” said Alain Bellemare, president and CEO, Bombardier Inc. “With our aerospace transformation now behind us, we have a clear path forward and a powerful vision for the future. Our focus is on two strong growth pillars: Bombardier Transportation, our global rail business, and Bombardier Aviation, a world-class business jet franchise with market-defining products and an unmatched customer experience.”
The CRJ production facility in Mirabel, Québec, will remain with Bombardier. Bombardier will continue to supply components and spare parts and will assemble the current CRJ backlog on behalf of MHI. CRJ production is expected to conclude in the second half of 2020, following the delivery of the current backlog of aircraft.
Photo credit/caption: Dmitry Denisenkov (Canwolf) [CC BY-SA 2.5 ] / Bombardier CRJ200 cockpit