Will Be Positioned Between Midsize, Super Midsize Segments

It's not every day a brand-new -- make that ALL-new -- Learjet is announced... but on Tuesday, Bombardier Aerospace launched its latest Lear, tentatively named Learjet NXT, the next generation of jets to carry the storied Learjet name.

"I am extremely pleased to announce the launch of the Learjet NXT -- an aircraft that is set to redefine the midsize jet category and set the standard against which all competitive aircraft will be measured," said Pierre Beaudoin, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace.

"Development of this all-new jet with a group of international collaborators continues to progress well, and we are on target for a public unveiling of the next Learjet business jet in October 2008, in time to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the first flight of a Learjet aircraft," Beaudoin added.

Bombardier tells ANN that true to its legendary heritage, the next Learjet aircraft is set to deliver a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82, Bombardier predicts the clean-sheet Learjet aircraft will offer its passengers a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km).

Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, this jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort. The concept drawing presented by Bombardier shows a strong resemblance to other jets in the Lear family, in particular the LearJet 60.

"The Learjet NXT development program will reaffirm Learjet’s position as a leader in business aircraft innovation, offering passengers legendary Learjet performance, an extraordinary cabin, a superior level of technology and exceptional value," said Pierre Gabriel Côté, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

"The design is customer-driven, based on what they have told us they need and want in a new midsize category business jet. To date, initial market interest in this next generation offering is strong, as we have received in excess of 65 letters of intent for this aircraft, which we expect to successfully convert into firm orders over the coming months."

FMI: www.aero.bombardier.com