German charter operator adds another aircraft to its fleet to meet surging demand
Cirrus Aviation of Zweibrucken, Germany, today purchased its second Bombardier Learjet 40* light business jet. The order comes only three months after Cirrus began operating its first Bombardier Learjet 40 aircraft, and will help Cirrus meet a growing demand for trans-European business travel.
“This positive development underlines the suitability of the new Learjet 40 aircraft for European charter operations,” stated Bob Horner, regional vice-president, sales, Europe, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft.
Sporting a distinctive black-and-silver livery, the Cirrus Learjet 40 fleet is based at Zweibrucken Airport, as part of Cirrus Aviation’s growing charter services. Both aircraft are also part of Bombardier’s popular Flexjet Europe charter network, which, as part of Bombardier Flexjet, offers seamless transportation service worldwide.
“The Learjet 40 has surpassed our highest expectations,” declared Gerd Brandecker, managing director, Cirrus Aviation. “The aircraft combines great range for six passengers with cabin comfort that’s above the standard for this category of jets. Since we started flying last February, customer feedback about our first Learjet 40 has been overwhelmingly positive. The aircraft has proven to be ideal for our charter fleet so it makes good sense to add a second jet.”
Other factors influencing the decision are the aircraft’s superior maintainability and advanced avionics. “Our pilots find it easy to operate, and our ground technicians report that the airplane is very reliable and very little service is required,” noted Mr. Brandecker.
Cirrus Aviation is part of the Cirrus Group consisting of Cirrus Airlines/Team Lufthansa, Cirrus Flight Training and Cirrus Maintenance. By applying the certified maintenance procedures of Cirrus Airlines/Team Lufthansa, the Cirrus Learjet 40 fleet is maintained and operated to the highest safety and service standards in the world.
Fully certificated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in January 2004, the Bombardier Learjet 40 can operate at altitudes up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m). With full fuel and six passengers, it can fly 1,782 nautical miles (3,300 km), and leads its class in payload-range capability for all missions with payloads greater than 1,000 pounds (454 kg). From Frankfurt, Cirrus passengers currently fly non-stop to Reykjavik, Moscow, and Cairo. Its 368-cubic-foot cabin (10.42-cu-m) is at least 20 per cent larger than competing jets.
The Bombardier Learjet 40 entered service in January 2004; a total of nine aircraft are currently in service.
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 $15.4 billion US 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.
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
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