Russia sanctions put Canadian aircraft sales in doubt

OTTAWA, Mar 22 (AFP): Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier faces $3.4 billion in lost potential sales to Russia as Canada and its allies impose sanctions over the former Soviet state's move to annex Crimea, reports said Friday.

A senior executive told an investor conference in New York this week that the clash between the West and Russia has created a snag in its negotiations to sell as many as 100 Q400 Turboprop aircraft to Russia's state-owned Rostec, according to several Canadian newspapers.

The planes are valued at $3.4 billion. The firm's aerospace president Guy Hachey was quoted as saying the sanctions "softened up a little bit the discussions" with Russia.

His comments were echoed by Bombardier president Pierre Beaudoin, and cited in analysts' reports. Bombardier did not immediately respond to requests for comment.