Tcas climb
13th Jul 2002, 16:15
Lufthansa confirmed to ATWOnline that it has canceled its order for 60 regional jets that launched Fairchild Dornier's 728 program.
"I can confirm it," said Lufthansa spokesperson Tom Tripp. "We did it to avoid financial and legal complications." He said he did not know when the actual cancellation occurred, but reports were circulating yesterday in Germany. He added that he could make no further comment on the matter, nor would he speculate whether Lufthansa is in discussions with the two remaining RJ manufacturers, Bombardier and Embraer.
Separately, a spokesperson for Fairchild Dornier would not confirm that a cancellation had occurred. "We have no comment on our status with customers," said Peter Kellner. "I can't say anything. That information would have to come from the administrator."
Lufthansa was the final major customer to pull out of the 728 program. GE Capital Services dropped its order for 70 aircraft shortly after FD declared it was insolvent in April. US Regional Atlantic Coast Airlines canceled its order for 65 of the smaller 328JETs earlier this summer.
The German manufacturer has tried unsuccessfully to attract an outside investor to save some or all of its operations. Rival Bombardier conducted an extensive evaluation of FD's financial and marketing programs but decided not to pursue its interest further. Court-appointed administrator Eberhard Braun said the company could be sold off in pieces if no major investor stepped forward to salvage the manufacturing operation. He added that Italian manufacturer Alenia had expressed interest in the 728 program.
"I can confirm it," said Lufthansa spokesperson Tom Tripp. "We did it to avoid financial and legal complications." He said he did not know when the actual cancellation occurred, but reports were circulating yesterday in Germany. He added that he could make no further comment on the matter, nor would he speculate whether Lufthansa is in discussions with the two remaining RJ manufacturers, Bombardier and Embraer.
Separately, a spokesperson for Fairchild Dornier would not confirm that a cancellation had occurred. "We have no comment on our status with customers," said Peter Kellner. "I can't say anything. That information would have to come from the administrator."
Lufthansa was the final major customer to pull out of the 728 program. GE Capital Services dropped its order for 70 aircraft shortly after FD declared it was insolvent in April. US Regional Atlantic Coast Airlines canceled its order for 65 of the smaller 328JETs earlier this summer.
The German manufacturer has tried unsuccessfully to attract an outside investor to save some or all of its operations. Rival Bombardier conducted an extensive evaluation of FD's financial and marketing programs but decided not to pursue its interest further. Court-appointed administrator Eberhard Braun said the company could be sold off in pieces if no major investor stepped forward to salvage the manufacturing operation. He added that Italian manufacturer Alenia had expressed interest in the 728 program.