RIP LearJet: 1963-2021 -- LearJet Production To End In Q4 2021

Bombardier... now solely dependent on its aviation business, has been cutting out a lot of less than profitable aspects of its portfolio and the much revered Learjet has gotten the axe... along with over 1000 staffers.

Bombardier announced it will end production of Learjet aircraft later this year, 'allowing the Company to focus on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families and accelerate the expansion of its customer services business.'

“With more than 3,000 aircraft delivered since its entry-into-service in 1963, the iconic Learjet aircraft has had a remarkable and lasting impact on business aviation. Passengers all over the world love to fly this exceptional aircraft and count on its unmatched performance and reliability. However, given the increasingly challenging market dynamics, we have made this difficult decision to end Learjet production,” explained Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. 

With these and other actions, the Company aims to generate $400 million annually in recurring savings by 2023. Savings are expected to be approximately $100 million in 2021; the Company will take a one-time charge of $50 million this year to support its restructuring actions. 

Bombardier will continue to fully support the Learjet fleet well into the future, and to this end, they have launched the Learjet RACER remanufacturing program for Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 aircraft. RACER program includes a bundled set of enhancements, including interior and exterior components, new avionics, high-speed connectivity, engine enhancements, and improved aircraft maintenance costs. The RACER remanufacturing program will be offered exclusively through Bombardier’s service center in Wichita, Kansas.

As far as 2020's overall numbers are concerned, Bombardier Business Aircraft delivered 114 aircraft including specialized aircraft during the year, comprised of 59 Global, 44 Challenger, and 11 Learjet. Deliveries peaked during the fourth quarter with 44 aircraft delivered, including a record 16 Global 7500 deliveries.

FMI: https://bombardier.com