Aeromexico weighs Bombardier C series order

Grupo Aeromexico SAB is considering an order of Bombardier C Series jets, taking aircraft that would be available next year if US tariffs thwart deliveries to Delta, people familiar with the matter said. Mexico’s largest carrier is also considering short-range planes from Brazil’s Embraer SA and Japan’s Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. instead, said the people, who asked not to be named because the talks are private. There’s no guarantee the discussions will lead to an aircraft order. Landing Aeromexico as a customer would be a boon to Bombardier, which has struggled to find buyers for its marquee jetliner. A deal would also help the Canadian planemaker fill gaps in its production schedule after the Trump Administration imposed 300 percent tariffs on the C Series in a trade case initiated by Boeing Co. Delta has vowed not to pay the duties on the aircraft it was due to start receiving next year, preferring to wait for a US-made version. While Delta owns 49% of Aeromexico, the US carrier isn’t driving its partner’s fleet plans, the people said. The Mexico City-based airline is interested in the C Series regardless of what happens with Delta’s order. Aeromexico is also studying the E195-E2 from Embraer, which currently provides the carrier’s regional jets, along with Mitsubishi’s MRJ aircraft, they said.<br/>