Bombardier breaks ground on site expansion

Bombardier were joined by
government representatives at the ground breaking ceremony marking the
expansion of the Wichita’s
Learjet site.

“This is an exciting day for
the future of Learjet and the Learjet 85 programme in Wichita,” said Ralph Acs,
vice president and general manager, Learjet,
Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We are extremely proud that Learjet’s heritage in Kansas spans nearly 50
years and will continue to grow through our partnership with City, County,
State and Federal government agencies.”

At the ground breaking ceremony
were US
Senator Jerry Moran, Kansas Secretary of Commerce Pat George, Mayor of Wichita
Carl Brewer and County Commission Chairman Tim Norton. Ralph Acs recognised
them, along with Senator Pat Roberts and Congressman Mike Pompeo for their help
in fostering the future of Learjet
in Kansas.

“Today’s ground breaking
represents a new era of growth for Bombardier’s Learjet facility in Wichita,”
commented Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback in a statement. “Wichita will benefit because of Learjet’s expansion and the company
will take advantage of a world-class workforce, as well as the city’s
infrastructure, supplier base, and research and development assets.”

The new expanded site
includes the Bombardier flight test centre, the establishment of Bombardier centres
of excellence for engineering and information technology, new facilities for
paint and production flight testing as well as a new delivery centre.

Bombardier Aerospace
continues to invest in both current production Learjet aircraft as well as innovative products such as the new Learjet 85 jet. Launched on 30
October 2007, the Learjet 85
aircraft is on schedule for entry into service in 2013.