New Learjet updates

Bombardier announced at the
Farnborough International Airshow that it is on schedule with its three new Learjet business aircraft.

The Learjet 85 aircraft programme 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 Learjet 70 and Learjet
75 aircraft programme 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
fifth flight test (FT5) aircraft can be considered the first production Learjet
75.

The site at Wichita is being developed
and is being prepared for when Learjet 85 production can start. “It is a great
feeling for our employees and our city of Wichita
to see our site expansion underway.” said Acs.

Bombardier released the
current list prices for each aircraft, $20.75m for the Learjet 85, $11.0m for a
Learjet 70 and $13.5m for a Learjet 75.

Photo: Ralph Acs speaking at the Learjet update briefing held during the Farnborough International Airshow 2012 Copyright Terry Spruce Corporate Jet Investor