Introduces A1 LSA On April 1

Aero-News April 1 Special Edition

After largely divesting itself of its commercial airline production by selling the C Series to Airbus, Bombardier will fill the gap by making an 180-degree turn into the Light-Sport airplane market.

Just ahead of Sun 'n Fun, the company on April 1 announced the launch of its A1 LSA to be produced in Wichita, KS alongside its Learjet line. "We see a huge opportunity in the GA and Light-Sport market," said Bombardier CEO Alain M. Bellemare. "With the looming pilot shortage, we hope to get more people involved in aviation by offering a product that is easy and fun to fly, hopefully fostering a life-long love affair with aviation. The LSA market seemed to be the best course of action."

The A1 LSA will be a high-wing conventional gear airplane that will stay true to Bombardier's Canadian roots. It will be configurable with tundra tires, floats or skis to make it a versatile sport airplane. The A1 will be powered by a Rotax 915iS engine making it economical to fly as a trainer. It will come factory-equipped with Garmin's G3X PFD.

Bellemare said that if the A1 proves to be successful, a low-wing tricycle-gear A2 is on the drawing board. "We understand that some pilots just prefer the tricycle-gear airplanes, so we want to have something for them as well. If the A1 sells well, and we believe that with our marketing prowess and dealer network it will, the A2 will become a reality," he said.

First flight of the A1 is anticipated early in 2020, with full production and deliveries planned for the first quarter of 2021.

FMI: www.bombardier.com