New Bombardier Learjet Aircraft on Track to Enter Service in 2013

Bombardier announced today that it is on track with its three new Learjet business aircraft as it shared further details of its ongoing development programs.

The Learjet 85 aircraft program continues to progress towards first flight with four test aircraft in various stages of fabrication. The first complete pressure fuselage, including the nose and aft fuselage, is undergoing final validation before being shipped from Querétaro, Mexico, to Wichita, Kansas.

Work on the first Learjet 85 jet’s wing internal structure is complete in Querétaro and has been moved into the final assembly position for wing plank installation. The assembly of a second wing which will be part of the Static Structural Test Article is well underway.

“As we push farther along our development road map the teams across all of our Learjet facilities, and manufacturing plants, are truly excited as solid progress is being made towards the maiden flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft,” said Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Our suppliers continue to keep up with our rigorous schedules as we work with our strategic partners across our aircraft programs. The final assembly line in Wichita is ready, and we are eager to assemble the first aircraft.”

The recently launched Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft program is progressing well and the first two flight test aircraft, a modified Learjet 40 XR jet and a modified Learjet 45 XR aircraft have already logged more than 135 flights, as the two are used to continue to develop the avionics that provide the core of the Learjet aircraft’s Vision Flight Deck.

“Assembly of the three remaining Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 flight test aircraft is on track, and with over 600 test hours logged we know that the Vision Flight Deck will truly offer the ultimate flight experience in these market segments,” added Acs.

The Learjet site expansion in Wichita is underway adding significant additional capability in preparation for the ramp up of the Learjet 85 jet. “It is a great feeling for our employees and our city of Wichita to see our site expansion underway.” said Acs.