Regional jet market sees growing competition

Tokyo

COMPETITION is becoming fierce in the fast-growing market for "regional jets" to serve Asian cities. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is stepping up production facilities while Canada's Bombardier is claiming strong sales at the Singapore Airshow, and China is moving ahead with plans to produce regional jets.

With its dense and growing network of regional air "hubs" serving huge populations and with intensive demand for business travel over short to medium distances, the Asia market is a strong attraction for regional producers and to outside makers such as Montreal-based Bombardier and Brazil's Embraer.