Canadian province of Quebec ready to partner in proposed longer Airbus A220 jet
XLI•Launch timing remains uncertain
Despite bullish briefings to lessors earlier this year, industry sources say the A220 stretch is no longer expected to be launched at next week's Farnborough Airshow. Leeham News reported last week Airbus could launch the A220-500 in the fourth quarter.
Canada's federal government said by email that it recognizes aerospace as a strategic industry, but declined to comment.
(Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Nia Williams)
Quebec says it would join a stretched A220 project
MONTREAL, July 15 (Reuters) - Quebec would partner with Canada and Airbus AIR.PA if the planemaker moves ahead with a proposed plan to stretch its smallest jet, a spokesperson for the Canadian province's economy minister said on Wednesday.
Airbus is weighing whether to launch a larger A220 jet, but has seen a muted response from powerful leasing companies and a debate over range and performance.
Airbus is trying to ramp up A220 production, which it says is necessary for the money-losing program to break even.
Province says talks are underway but it is too early for conclusions
"Discussions are indeed underway, but it is still too early to draw conclusions," a spokesperson for Quebec's Economy Minister Bernard Drainville said by email.
"The government of Quebec would like to be partners in this project, notably with the federal government."
Quebec, Canada's aerospace hub, has a 25% stake in the A220 program, with the jet produced at a factory north of Montreal. Airbus also has a separate line for the A220 in Mobile, Alabama.
