Bombardier Aerospace seeking new president

Montreal — Bombardier Aerospace is seeking a new commercial aircraft unit president to guide its new CSeries jet to its final development following the unexpected retirement of Gary Scott in October.

Scott has overseen the development of the narrowbody, fuel-efficient aircraft that is believed to be a key new product line for the Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer.

“The CSeries aircraft program is tracking well, and with the program at this advanced stage, I feel very comfortable leaving it in the capable hands of my colleagues so I can devote more time to my family,” Scott said in a statement.

Scott said he has full confidence in the solid team in place at Bombardier commercial aircraft and its ability to continue the development and execution of its programs.

Guy Hachey, COO of the aircraft division of Bombardier Inc., will head the commercial segment until a replacement is found.

“Gary has been an incredible asset to our organization and, through his leadership, has helped us develop game-changing products and a strong international customer base,” he added.

Bombardier spokesman John Arnone said Scott’s departure was a personal decision and not related to any problems with the CSeries or any other commercial aircraft program.

“There is not a specific timeline surrounding Gary’s replacement except to say we’ll take as much time as we need to conduct a thorough search for the right candidate to lead the commercial aircraft unit,” Arnone said in an interview.

The new 110- to 149-seat plane is scheduled to enter into service the end of 2013.

Bombardier signed a letter of intent last week providing for Illyushin Finance Co., one of Russia’s largest aircraft leasing companies, to buy up to 30 CSeries jetliners.

The letter of intent includes a 10 firm orders, 10 options and another 10 purchase rights for the jetliners. Delivery is expected to begin in mid-2015 to the end of 2016, if all of the order options are taken.

Bombardier is also in the running for an order from Delta Air Lines, as part of the U.S. airline’s efforts to modernize its aging fleet.

The commercial aircraft unit president also oversees the Q400 turboprop and CRJ regional jets.

Scott, 60, joined Bombardier in 2004 after more than 30 years in the aerospace industry, first at The Boeing Company and later at CAE Inc.

He has headed the commercial aircraft unit since the merger in April 2008 of Bombardier’s regional aircraft and its new commercial aircraft programs.
© 2011 The Canadian Press