Improvements Allow Learjet, Challenger And Global Operators To Reduce Direct Maintenance Costs And Improve Dispatch Availability

Bombardier Aerospace has introduced what it is calling "evolved" maintenance intervals for the Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Global aircraft. Under the aircraft's respective maintenance programs, maintenance intervals for hourly tasks and monthly checks are evolving by as much as 50 per cent or more.

The enhanced maintenance intervals will result in a number of key benefits for Bombardier operators, including significantly lower direct maintenance costs, less downtime for the aircraft and reduced maintenance workload (and related spares consumption), with no compromise to the inherent safety and reliability of the aircraft. Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 operators, for example, could see their scheduled labor maintenance costs decrease by almost 50 per cent and their dispatch availability improve by 250 days (over a 20-year period based on typical annual usage).

The maintenance interval improvements announced today are part of a broader plan to provide value to Bombardier operators through competitive, industry-leading in-service programs. "Bombardier is being proactive in driving the optimization of maintenance programs for its aircraft," said Andy Nureddin, Vice President, Customer Services and Support, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "With these evolved maintenance intervals, our operators stand to benefit from significant savings and best-in-class operating costs. We are continuously seeking out solutions to improve their experience and put customers first."

To date, improvements to the maintenance intervals for Challenger 300 aircraft have received final approval from Transport Canada (TC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with a similar endorsement for Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 aircraft. The Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Global aircraft programs are expected to follow in the coming months. The respective evolved maintenance program for Challenger 300 aircraft operators was recently launched in July 2013. The Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 aircraft evolved maintenance program was released earlier this month with Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Global aircraft scheduled to be issued in 2014.

FMI: www.bombardier.com