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RJ Market Changes Force Manufacturer to Focus on 328/728/928 Programs
Potential changes in regional airline scope clauses have forced Fairchild Dornier to dump its 44-seat, scope-friendly 428JET program. Chairman and CEO Chuck Pieper says the manufacturer found that the business was no longer viable for aircraft designed to fit under ever- loosening scope clauses.
American Airlines' (AMR) Allied Pilots Association recently reached a tentative deal that will allow American Eagle (AMR) pilots to fly unlimited numbers of regional jets at 50 seats or below. Although no final deal has been reached, it is expected that United Airlines (UAL) will reach a similar deal with its pilots.
Fairchild Dornier's move was not a complete surprise, since the pilots' actions pretty much kills the need for a scope-friendly 44- seat aircraft like the 428. The 428 was an attempt by the manufacturer to pick up some almost-50-seat orders from carriers who could not get Canadair or Embraer regional jets because of backlogs or scope clause restrictions.
Hello, Goodbye: Who Has the 428JET
According to the AvSoft database and Fairchild Dornier, below is a list of orders and options on the 428JET
| Airline Orders Options |
| Atlantic Coast 40 55 |
| KLM Air Alps 5 3 |