Originally Posted by
Rightseat Ballast
The Japanese aircraft too closely resembles the E-jet. Most companies will not want to go with an unknown replica over a known and proven aircraft.
The Russian aircraft will very likely not find a market in the US. Ever.
The Chinese jet will probably be popular throughout Asia and enjoy some limited success in Eastern Europe. However, like the Russian airframe, it will not find a market in the US.
The E-jet and larger CRJs are going to continue to be the staple of North American small jet fleets. When the C-series rolls out, it should do quite well, assuming the geared turbofans deliver the promised performance with great maintenance reliability.
I doubt the airlines see it as an unknown replica. They probably only care about the operating costs and support structure. So, if the Japanese version is appealing in these regards I would imagine at least a few airline will buy it. Except that being the first operator of an airplane is not always fun trying to get the kinks worked out.
Mitsubishi hasn't had many orders yet, but I would not count the Japanese companies out. That is what the big three auto manufacturers first did.
You are correct about the other two. With the Superjet, they have worked very hard to make the plane appealing to western companies, but I don't think they will have much luck.