Two new business jets make Middle East debut at major aerospace event
Bombardier Aerospace will underscore its leadership role in world regional and business aviation markets and its strong commitment to providing air transportation solutions to Middle East operators during Dubai 2003, the eighth biennial international aerospace exhibition being held at Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 7-11.
Bombardier Aerospace is a leading supplier of corporate and commercial aircraft to the Middle East. It has delivered 33 Bombardier business jets to the region over the past five years, representing 27 per cent of the market share for this period. Bombardier also supports 65 current and out-of-production aircraft operated in the region by regional airlines, petroleum companies and other operators, as well as 94 in other African countries and 46 on the Indian sub-continent - including seven Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets operated by Air Sahara.
“We are very optimistic about the opportunities for our regional jet and turboprop aircraft in the Middle East and Gulf region”, said Barry MacKinnon, vice-president, marketing and airline analysis at Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. “Airlines are looking at new business models such as the hub-and-spoke operations that have been so successful in North America and Europe. Such operations will require smaller, more efficient and more economical aircraft than the large jets in current Middle East airline fleets. Bombardier Aerospace is the only company with two complete families of regional jets and turboprops ranging from 37 to 86 seats. These aircraft have proven themselves in decades of cost-effective and reliable service in most parts of the world.”.
Two new Bombardier business jets will celebrate their Middle East debut at the show: the super-midsize Bombardier Challenger* 300 business jet, for which deliveries will begin before year-end; and the Bombardier Learjet* 45 XR, an enhanced version of the popular Bombardier Learjet 45 super-light business jet, on track to enter service in Q1 2004.
Both aircraft are part of Bombardier’s large static display, along with a Bombardier Global Express* ultra long-range business jet, a Bombardier Challenger 604 intercontinental business jet, and a Bombardier Learjet 60 transcontinental business jet.
Bombardier has four new products entering into service within the next 14 months – the Bombardier Learjet 40, Learjet 45 XR, Challenger 300 and Global 5000 – to further strengthen its leadership position in business aircraft markets.
“We are very excited with this opportunity to underscore our firm commitment to the Middle East region as we continue to develop new aircraft that meet the needs and high expectations of our customers,” said Mike Fahey, regional vice president, sales, Middle East and Africa, Business Aircraft. “Bombardier is the most popular aircraft manufacturer in this region, having delivered 27 percent of all business jets to the Middle East over the last five years, and I have every confidence that Bombardier aircraft operating here will continue to grow in number.”
In addition to its static display, Bombardier Aerospace has a fully equipped chalet at the Dubai Air Show and will mount a display of its broad range of regional and business aircraft at an exhibit in the East Hall. In addition, TAG Aeronautics, Bombardier’s exclusive representative and distributor in 22 Middle East and Arab countries for the Bombardier Challenger, Global and CRJ families, will also have a chalet at the show.
Bombardier aircraft on display at Dubai 2003 include:
Bombardier Learjet 45 XR: The new eight-passenger Bombardier Learjet 45 XR takes legendary Learjet performance to the next level with shorter takeoff distances under hot and high conditions, enhanced payload, more range, faster time to climb, and a cruise speed that is fastest in class. City pairs linked non-stop by the Learjet 45 XR include Riyadh-New Delhi, Riyadh-Rome, Dubai-Nairobi and Dubai-Moscow.
Bombardier Learjet 60: This transcontinental business jet has become one of the best-selling midsize jets in corporate aviation with its strong dependability and exceptional cabin comfort. It can fly from Dubai to London with one stop and is increasingly popular with Middle East charter operators.
Bombardier Challenger 300: Customer deliveries of the all-new super-midsize Challenger 300 will begin shortly, prior to the end of January 31, 2004. The aircraft, which features a full eight-passenger cabin and operating costs equivalent to or better than current super-midsize jets, offers non-stop service from Dubai-Geneva, Dubai-Beijing, Riyadh-London and Riyadh-Harare, among other key routes.
Bombardier Challenger 604: This intercontinental business jet is the fifth variant of the legendary Challenger family of widebody business jets, which recently celebrated its 600th customer delivery. Certified for civil operation in 40 countries, the Bombardier Challenger 604 has established a proven track record for dependability, reliability and outstanding value, making it the best-selling jet in its class.
Bombardier Global 5000: Destined to be the speed benchmark between the Middle East and Europe, this new super-large jet is derived from the pioneering Bombardier Global Express. At Dubai 2003, Bombardier will present a full-size mockup of the forward cabin section, representing the most sophisticated interior in its class.
Bombardier Global Express: Offering unsurpassed comfort in its class, the Bombardier Global Express is setting new standards in performance, comfort and reliability in the ultra long-range business jet category. Now with more than 100,000 flight hours, it is posting a dispatch reliability exceeding 99.25 per cent.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet* and Bombardier Skyjet* business aircraft programs, technical services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at $23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
*Trademark of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information:
Sylvie Gauthier
Bombardier Aerospace
Montréal: (514) 855-7983
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Montréal: (514) 855-7988