Bombardier could extend COMAC accord to building jets in China

China Nov 12 (Reuters) - Canada's Bombardier Inc could design and build passenger jets in China as an extension of a two-year-old development and sales deal with the country's main state-owned planemaker, a senior executive told Reuters.

When the first phases of the 2012 accord with Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) are complete, it may be natural to "do something more", said Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier's commercial aircraft division. That could step up competition with Airbus and Boeing.

"We are thinking long-term in China," Arcamone said, speaking late on Tuesday on the sidelines of China's largest air show in Zhuhai. "One day we might decide to do a project together, a joint venture...Right now, we are only talking about collaboration."