Bombardier will celebrate 50 years of Learjet at NBAA 2013

Bombardier Learjet 23 owned by Clay Lacy

Bombardier celebrates the Learjet’s anniversary in Las Vegas, 50 years after the Learjet 23 made its maiden flight.

Bombardier Learjet 23 owned by Clay Lacy.

Bombardier will celebrate the Learjet’s 50th anniversary at this year’s NBAA convention in Las Vegas in recognition of the Learjet 23 making its maiden flight on 7 October 1963.

The company will educate visitors on the Learjet’s history, while displaying an actual Learjet 23, along with the new Learjet 75, a mock-up of the Learjet 85, due to enter service before the end of the year, and a range of business jets in Bombardier’s product portfolio, including a Challenger 300, Challenger 605 and Global 6000 from 22-24 October.

“This year’s NBAA marks an important milestone for Bombardier and Learjet as we celebrate Learjet’s 50th anniversary,” said Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier.

“Visitors will be able to experience the Learjet story and help us kick-off the next 50 years with the Learjet 70, Learjet 75 and Learjet 85 aircraft,” Ridolfi added.

Bombardier will also exhibit a cabin mock-up of the the Challenger 350 on static display at Henderson Executive Airport. The company launched the $25.9 million Challenger 350 at this year’s EBACE convention in Geneva, which features different engines, a different interior and new winglets and avionics compared to the older Challenger 300. It is scheduled for delivery in 2014.