New Bizjet Enters Service On Schedule, Five A/C Delivered In January

Bombardier Aerospace has delivered five completed Bombardier Learjet 40 light business jets to operators in North America and Europe.

Two Bombardier Learjet 40 aircraft were delivered to U.S.-based traditional operators, two entered service with Bombardier’s Flexjet fractional ownership program, and one aircraft was delivered to a traditional operator based in Germany. All five jets were delivered in January, reported to be the first of a new aircraft type "purposely designed to continue Learjet’s 40-year tradition of leadership in light corporate jets."

“This new aircraft combines legendary Learjet performance with exceptional comfort, value, and versatility,” observed Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “In every regard, it is poised to become today’s premium light jet.”

The new Bombardier Learjet 40 can operate at altitudes up to 51,000 feet. With full fuel and a maximum payload, it can fly up to 1,762 nautical miles, and will lead its class in payload-range capability for all missions with payloads greater than 1,000 pounds. The new jet’s 363-cubic-feet cabin is at least 20 per cent larger than the competition.

Bombardier Aerospace introduced the Learjet 40 at the 2002 Farnborough Air Show. Based on the proven Learjet 45 platform, of which there are currently some 235 jets in service worldwide, the Learjet 40 shares all major systems and benefits with its pioneering parent. It received type certification from the FAA on July 11, 2003 and from the European JAA on January 9, 2004.

Second New Bombardier Jet Entering Service

The Learjet 40 is the second new Bombardier business jet to enter service in January. The first Bombardier Challenger 300 super midsize business jet began operating in the Bombardier Flexjet fractional ownership program in January. “This is an exciting period at Bombardier Aerospace. Delivering both the Bombardier Challenger 300 and Learjet 40 in such quick succession is a great achievement for our employees and our company,” observed Mr. Edwards.

FMI: www.bombardier.com