Bombardier Business Aircraft arrived at Le Bourget in characteristically flamboyant style with three new aircraft making their debuts.
Making their first appearances outside the US are the Learjet 40 light jet launched last year at Farnborough and the super-large Global 5000 launched in February of 2002. Also making its first appearance at Le Bourget is the super-midsize Challenger 300.
Success
Admitting that the last year has been "challenging", Pierre Beaudoin, president and chief operating officer of Bombardier Aerospace, was keen to stress the group's recent successes as he arrived at the show.
"With six new products entering into service within the next two years - the Bombardier Learjet 40, Learjet 45 XR, Challenger 300, Global 5000, CRJ700 Series 705 and, CRJ900 - we are committed to offering a variety of air transportation solutions to all aviation users whatever their needs."
Looking back over the past year Beaudoin noted numerous milestones: deliveries include the 100th Global Express and 600th Challenger business jets, the 100th delivery of the 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 and the first delivery and entry into service of the 86-passenger Bombardier CRJ900. Bombardier also increased its regional aircraft backlogs with firm orders from US Airways for 49 CRJ aircraft, including 25 of the new 75-seat Bombardier CRJ700 Series 705 and, from FlyBE for 17 new-generation 70-passenger Q400 turboprops. Bombardier Business Aircraft's first European customer for the Learjet 45 XR, Gold Air, recently ordered five of the business aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
