Certification received as Bombardier celebrates 250th delivery of popular light jet
Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the Bombardier Learjet 45 family of business jets has now been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to fly into London City Airport, directly linking business and government leaders to the heart of London’s financial district.
This approval for London City applies to all Bombardier Learjet 40, Learjet 45 and Learjet 45 XR aircraft registered in the European Union member states. An optional service bulletin is now available for existing aircraft owners.
“This is an important advantage for Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 aircraft operators throughout Europe,” said Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With more financial institutions already located in London, or moving to Docklands, London City Airport is, by far, the quickest way to access one of the world’s most important financial centers.”
The London City Airport Jet Centre, which opened in September 2002, is now recognized by business jet users as providing a premium jet service, and is currently undergoing refurbishment to increase capacity up to 14,000 aircraft movements per year.
“Over the last year, we have received a number of enquiries about accessing London City Airport from Bombardier Learjet 45 owners and operators, as well as from customers using our Bombardier Flexjet and Skyjet services,” added Mr. Edwards.
Test flights into London City Airport were successfully completed in September. The test aircraft – owned and operated by leading UK-based charter operator Gold Air International – proved its exceptional capabilities by flawlessly executing four steep-approach landings into the airport.
Paul Mulcahy, senior test pilot, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), flew the aircraft for two of these landings and was thoroughly impressed by its performance: “The aircraft is very speed stable and handled extremely well throughout, easily accommodating the airfield’s challenging approach.”
“This is one of the most capable aircraft we’ve certified for London City Airport. It has fewer payload restrictions than any other aircraft in its class and will offer operators far greater degrees of freedom and flexibility in term of airport access,” said Gary Hodgetts, deputy director of operations policy and planning for London City Airport.
London City certification comes just as Bombardier celebrates its 250th Learjet 45 delivery.
The aircraft, delivered to Abelag Aviation – a leading executive aircraft management company based in Brussels – will be used primarily for charter throughout Europe. European deliveries of the Learjet 45 began in 1998, and the fleet has since grown to over 30 aircraft, 10 of which are based in the United Kingdom.
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 U.S. and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
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For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager media relations
Cell: 514-918-9352
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com
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