CANADIAN MANUFACTURER Bombardier has been forced to delay the launch of its joint venture with Russian Technologies state corporation, Rostec, amid deteriorating relations between Russia and the West. The $100 billion project, which included the establishment of a local production line for the Montreal-based firm’s Dash 8-Q400 turboprop, was originally planned to launch later this year. Canada has joined the US and the EU in imposing sanctions on Russia following its continuing support of Ukrainian separatists. Bombardier spokeswoman, Marianella de la Barrera, told Russia’s Vedomosti newspaper: “We are in negotiations with Rostec and hope to reach an agreement in 2014. But, given the context of what is going on right now, the project’s schedule may move to next year.” This followed news that Ilyushin may re-launch its Il-114 as part of a wider initiative by Russia to circumvent sanctions and reduce reliance on western-built aircraft. Production of the regional turboprop, which spanned just 20 examples, ceased in mid-2012.