Mr. Steven R. Aliment is Vice President Sales - Europe, Russia & CIS, Africa for Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. In this exclusive interview with Aviation & Allied Business, he makes a new case for regional aircraft in driving economic activities among communities in Africa as he stressing the increasing need to interconnect Africa using air transport. He talks as well on salient features of Bombardier's aircraft which have been well deployed among African operators.

Q: The CRJ and QSeries aircraft are in operation with a number of African operators. How has their performance been so far and how do you hope to increase the number of operators in Africa?

A: There are currently nearly 170 CRJ and Q-Series aircraft in service or on order at 44 operators in Africa. Our success on the continent, and the wide dispersal of customers, is due to Bombardier commercial aircraft offering airlines the opportunity to grow within and across product segments with complementary aircraft types. The performance of Bombardier commercial aircraft is extremely strong in Africa. For instance, we have numerous aircraft based in Kenya to support charter, United Nations and airline operations. We also see established airlines growing with Bombardier aircraft such as Ethiopian Airlines with Q400s; South Africa Express using Q400s, CRJ200s and CRJ700s; Arik Air with CRJ900s and Q400s; Libyan Airlines with CRJ900s, and Smart Aviation with Q400s; and the list keeps growing.

Q: As at July 2011, programme status report of the CSeries shows 133 total orders though non delivered; what is the current status of the CSeries and what is projection or prospects for this series in the market?

A: The CSeries program has seen a very successful and has had a positive start. The planned entry into service of the CSeries aircraft family is late 2013 and we have secured more than 260 orders, including firm, optional and purchase rights. CSeries is a strong and compelling all-new aircraft that complements our Commercial Aircraft portfolio.

The CSeries aircraft combines latest generation aerodynamics, system integration and advanced structural materials, along with a game-changing engine, to deliver a minimum of 20% fuel burn benefit over in-production aircraft in its class and a 15% cash operating costs advantage. The greenest single aisle aircraft in its category, the CSeries aircraft has 20% fewer CO2 and 50% fewer NOx emissions, and flies four times quieter than its competitors. Above all, it's a 100% new airplane where our competitors are offering a re-engine of an old platform.

Q: Africa has potentials in search and rescue and other special missions. How is Bombardier fitting into such needs in Africa, especially with products like the Challenger 605?

A: Let me point out our business aircraft have very strong appeal in Africa and with the economic growth in the region, we see a very bright future across the board from Learjet, to Challenger to our flagship Global.

Many of our products are used in fire fighting, VIP government transport and as maritime patrol. We have already delivered customized versions of the commercial Q400 turboprop and CRJ regional jet to meet some of these needs. Additionally, we also offer firefighting aircraft such as the CL415 for that type of specific mission requirement.

Q: Regional markets are building up in Africa as there are more efforts now to remove regional market boundaries. What is your comment on that?

A: There is an increasing need to connect communities and build better infrastructure in Africa. I'd like to draw a parallel to what we have seen in mature aviation markets where, athough the context is very different, we see regional connectivity as the backbone of economic growth. In other markets, connectivity is achieved through efficient air travel, irrespective of climate and terrain. This is the same for Africa except the challenges are over greater distances and an even greater variety of challenging  environments (mountains, deserts, rivers, forests).

Q: In the 2011-2030 projections for commercial and business aircraft, Bombardier forecast increase in demand for aircraft in the Africa region. Given the weak financial position of many African airlines, how does Bombardier plan to support these airlines acquire needed aircraft?

A: The growth of airlines and placement of aircraft are supported in several ways depending on the operators' needs. This includes support from export credit agencies as well as many financial lenders / commercial banks and lessors. These options are important to our customers as it allows them to consider a variety of solutions that are critical to the changing economic climate.

We also support our customers by offering network development support and through business plan analysis. Our teams bring a variety of expertise to an airline ranging from operational to financial to strategic experts.

Q: Would you not think providing support for African airlines to acquire aircraft would enable Bombardier get a greater share of the African market?

A: Yes, of course we do. Acquisition support needs to be tailored to each customer. The greatest challenge is engaging the secondary and tertiary resources where traditional financing structures might be challenging. We are working with local commercial banks within Africa to offer more regionalized solutions. These commercial entities are highly valuable as they offer a direct connection within African markets and in many cases, their assessments can offer equally stronger and more creative financing structures.

Q: What major challenge faces Bombardier in the African market presently?

A: There are always challenges in emerging markets, but also opportunities. What is key is for Bombardier to connect with our customers and develop solutions that produce benefits for all. It's not about just placing aircraft into an airline. We look very seriously at how we can develop an airline's capacity. We bring a strong environmental focus with our products and this is accompanied by the economic benefits of the efficiencies found in advanced technologies. It is important to engage all of the stakeholders which can sometimes include government as well as other economic partners.

Q: MROs and AMOs are limited in Africa as an air transport region. How could Bombardier make it simpler for (potential) African airline operators using your aircraft types?

A: Establishing an MRO starts with building technical expertise, that's why we are working closely with operators to establish quality service centres that can support the current fleet while looking ahead at growing market opportunities.

Q: The Global 5000 jet has a global record of travelling the fastest time between Berlin and Washington. How does this make you feel, and how has it influenced the market?

A: From my personal perspective, it makes me very proud to be part of Bombardier. This feeling is manifested when I see a Q400 turboprop, a CRJ regional jet, or watch the CSeries program progress to eventual production and flight test.

Bombardier has established itself as a leader in Aerospace with many technological advancements incorporated into our products. In many instances, we have changed the rules by offering products that stretch traditional boundaries. The CSeries aircraft is a great example of how Bombardier is developing a game-changing aircraft to help our customers meet and exceed their needs.

Q: The world is going green in aircraft technology. What does Bombardier bring to this global effort in terms of your airplanes, etc.?

A: Bombardier's aircraft programs are developed with an objective of reducing the environmental footprint. For example, the Q400 is comfortably a greener aircraft due to its low fuel burn and reduced noise and carbon footprint. We are involved in working with partners to test the viability of biofuel on the Q400. The CRJ family offers class leading fuel efficiency. The CSeries has an unmatched environmental footprint through 20% less CO2, 50% less NOx and four times quieter than current production aircraft.