Bombardier Aerospace, recognized throughout the
Asia-Pacific region as a leader in the regional airliner and business jet markets, will exhibit five innovative aircraft at Avalon Airport for the Australian International Airshow 2005. The aircraft on static display include the new Special Edition Learjet 60, Challenger 300 and the Global Express business jets as well as the Bombardier Q200 aircraft and the world's most advanced turboprop, the Bombardier Q400.
Bombardier will showcase the 37-passenger Q200 aircraft in National Air Support Coastwatch configuration, and the 70-passenger Q400 airliner, whose proven exceptional operating economics, profit potential, jet-like speed and cabin comfort have made it today's 70-seat turboprop of choice for operators and passengers alike. Although the Q400 turboprop on display is in Qantas colours, it is owned and operated by Bombardier Aerospace as a demonstration aircraft.
Bombardier Aerospace has been a major player in Australian regional airline aviation since the first Dash 8 aircraft entered service with Eastern Australia Airlines in 1989. Today, 48 Bombardier turboprops are in service with companies across Australia. QantasLink operates, or has on order, 44 Dash 8 and Q Series aircraft. In addition, the proven flexibility, utility and ruggedness of Bombardier Dash 8 and Q Series aircraft have led to their selection by National Air Support, Skippers and TenixLADS Corp. for non-airline missions.
"Qantas Airways has ordered seven Q400 aircraft for QantasLink, while Air New Zealand has ordered 17 of our 50-seat Q300 turboprops for Air New Zealand Link," said James Dailly, vice-president, International Sales, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "These orders testify to the efficiency, passenger comfort and profitability of our Q Series aircraft. We are very proud of the important role our aircraft are playing in regional airline transport in Australasia and the Asia-Pacific region."
Two of Bombardier's newest business jets will be showcased together in Australia for the first time. The midsize Special Edition Learjet 60 aircraft, featuring a comprehensive array of avionics and interior options, is the value leader in its category and is recognized throughout corporate aviation for its superior dispatch reliability and exceptional cabin comfort. A total of 279 Learjet 60 aircraft were delivered as of Feb. 1, 2005.
The Challenger 300 aircraft, the first true super-midsize business jet, was introduced in Australia in early 2004. The aircraft, which combines superior long-range cruise speed, and a full eight-passenger cabin entered into service in January 2004. As of Feb. 1, 2005, a total of 25 Challenger 300 aircraft were in service worldwide.
Joining this high-performance team of business jets is the ultra long-range Bombardier Global Express aircraft. With more than 140 deliveries worldwide since 1990, including a handful in Australia, the Global Express is the definitive ultra long-range business jet. Its successor, the Global Express XRS aircraft, successfully completed its first flight on January 16, 2005 and is on schedule to enter service in early 2006. The Global Express XRS business jet offers even more range at higher speed, a superior cabin and performance enhancements.
Bombardier, together with its exclusive representative, ExecuJet Australia, is raising the standard of corporate aviation throughout the continent. "Business jet usage continues to increase across Australia, with steady increases in both traditional ownership and in the charter market," stated David Dixon, regional vice-president, Sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
In addition to offering complete and modern business jet charter from its base at Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport, ExecuJet Australia is a member of Bombardier's Skyjet International network, offering executives and government officials a first-rate and reliable global travel solution.
"With over 900 business jets worldwide, Bombardier Skyjet International is uniquely positioned to meet growing demand in the region for seamless, flexible global business jet travel, offering passengers the unprecedented ability to purchase business jet flights from a single source and fly anytime, anywhere in the world," said Judith Moreton, managing director, Bombardier Skyjet International.
The Australia International Airshow 2005 runs from Tuesday March 15, through Sunday, March 20, and the Bombardier Aerospace chalet is located at Row N14 at Avalon Airport, near Melbourne.
Static display: Bombardier, Q200, Q400, Special Edition Learjet 60, Challenger 300 and Global Express
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004 were $15.5 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto stock exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com
Bombardier, Learjet, Challenger, Global, Q Series, Dash 8 and Skyjet International are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Sylvie Gauthier
Bombardier Aerospace
(514) 855-7983
www.bombardier.com