Bombardier Aerospace arrives at the 2003 Paris Air Show buoyed by its latest accomplishments and facing the future with confidence.
Although the past year was a challenging one for the aerospace industry, Bombardier's accomplishments were numerous in terms of deliveries, orders and first flights. Milestone 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. Bombardier also reached a milestone with the first flight of the Global 5000*.
"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. Even in these challenging times, we are present with innovative products demonstrating our resolve to maintain our strong market position in all our businesses," stated Pierre Beaudoin, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace.
On display at the show, Bombardier Business Aircraft products will include its three newest business jets - the performance driven Bombardier Learjet 40* light aircraft, the popular Bombardier Challenger 300* super-midsize aircraft and the versatile Bombardier Global 5000* super-large business jet. All are appearing at Le Bourget for the first time. Bombardier is the only manufacturer with a full product and service offering in each of the business aircraft segments, ensuring the best possible fit between the customer's mission and the aircraft available to fulfill it.
Bombardier Regional Aircraft will showcase its new generation 78-seat Bombardier Q400* turboprop and 64- to 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 Series 701* regional jet. Bombardier identified a requirement for larger versions of the Bombardier Q* Series turboprop and CRJ* Series regional jet to meet market growth and, was first to market with these regional aircraft.
The Bombardier CRJ Series regional jet and Q Series turboprop families are complementary products that provide airlines with the fleet flexibility they require to service a wide range of routes on a profitable basis. In addition to offering aircraft with different seat capacities, the families offer commonality benefits in many areas, such as crew training and spare parts.
The 2003 Paris Air Show runs from Saturday June 14 through Friday June 20, for trade visitors, and Sunday June 15, Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22 for public visitors.
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 |
NOTE TO EDITORS
Bombardier Aerospace press conferences at Paris Air Show 2003:
Sunday, June 15, 2003 | |
1:00 PM | Bombardier Business Aircraft Event |
Participants: | Pierre Beaudoin, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace Peter Edwards, president, John Holding, executive vice-president, Engineering and Product Development, |
Monday, June 16, 2003 | |
9:30 AM | Bombardier Regional Aircraft press conference |
Participants: | Pierre Beaudoin, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace Steven A. Ridolfi, president, |
Tuesday, June 17, 2003 | |
9:30 AM | Bombardier Aerospace press conference |
Participants: | Pierre Beaudoin, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace Peter Edwards, president, Steven A. Ridolfi, president, |
Wednesday, June 18, 2003 | |
9:30 AM | Bombardier Business Aircraft Product Briefing |
Participants: | David Schenck, vice-president, development aircraft programs, Bombardier Aerospace Bob Agostino, director, Flight Operations, |
Bombardier aircraft on static display at Paris Air Show 2003 include:
Bombardier Learjet 40: Making its first international appearance is the Bombardier Learjet 40. Launched at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2002, the Learjet 40 six-to-seven passenger light jet combines superior comfort and low direct operating costs. It offers unequalled payload/range capabilities, and legendary Learjet performance and speed to deliver best-of-class value. Certification of the Learjet 40 is expected this summer and customer deliveries are scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2004.
Bombardier Challenger 300: Officially launched at the 1999 Paris Air Show as the Bombardier Continental Business Jet*, the Bombardier Challenger 300 is designed to deliver best-of-class value in the emerging super-midsize business jet category. At a highly competitive price, it offers true transcontinental range and superior long-range cruise speed, combined with a full eight-passenger cabin and operating costs equivalent to or better than current midsize jets. Full certification of the Challenger 300 business jet is imminent, and the aircraft will enter service later this year.
Bombardier Challenger 604: This intercontinental business jet has become the preferred jet in its class for value, mission flexibility and widebody comfort. 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: Making its first appearance in Europe, the Bombardier Global 5000 provides the widest and most spacious cabin among super-large business jets. Launched in February 2002, this high-speed intercontinental business jet is capable of flying non-stop from continental Europe to central North America at Mach 0.85 with eight passengers and three crew. With the shortest balanced field length of any widebody business jet, the Global 5000 will fly executives in and out of airfields closer to their point of business. Certification of the Global 5000 business jet is expected during the first quarter of 2004.
Bombardier CRJ700 Series 701: The Bombardier CRJ700 Series 701 is a stretched, 64- to 70-seat variant of the popular 50-seat Bombardier CRJ100/200* aircraft. Powered by two state-of-the-art General Electric CF34-8C engines, the Bombardier CRJ700 Series 701 has a maximum range of 1,985 nm (3,676 km) with all 70 seats filled. Commonality with the rest of the CRJ family maximizes the opportunity for substantial cost savings for fleet operators.
Bombardier Q400: The proven 78-passenger Bombardier Q400* airliner is designed to meet the requirements of regional airlines for larger aircraft on high-density, short- to medium-haul routes. The 360-knot airliner is the quietest turboprop available worldwide. Its speed and 1,360-nautical-mile (2,519-km) range offer improved productivity by extending an airline's reach to new markets beyond current turboprop distances while doing it at jet speeds.