MONTREAL: Bombardier plans to reduce production of its CRJ aircraft starting in January, but will not slash jobs as part of the move.

The world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer announced the decision Sept. 20 in an effort to sync CRJ aircraft manufacturing with market demand. The CRJ is a family of passenger jets with 60 to 99 seats capable of medium-haul flights.

“Although several sales campaigns for our CRJ aircraft are making progress and the long-term prospects for the CRJ program remain positive, the reduced pace of orders has made a review of our production plans necessary,” said Bombardier Aerospace president and CEO Guy Hachey.

“For these reasons and after careful consideration, a CRJ aircraft production decrease is warranted in the short term.”

Bombardier said the changes will result in some employees being transferred to other aircraft development programs.

The company is also maintaining its guidance for commercial aircraft deliveries at about 90 planes for 2011.

© 2011 The Canadian Press