Bombardier Aerospace today announced that London Air Services, a leading charter service provider based in Vancouver, Canada, has signed a contract to acquire a Bombardier Global Express XRS ultra-long range business jet. The category-leading aircraft will be used primarily to fly intercontinental missions between North America and Northern Asia.
Established in 1999, London Air Services currently operates four Bombardier Learjet 45 XR super-light jets and two Bombardier Challenger 604 widebody business jets.
“The Global Express XRS aircraft’s superior high-speed range capability will enable us to fly non-stop at high speeds between Vancouver and Hong Kong – something very appealing to our customer base,” stated Wynne Powell, President and CEO, London Air Services. “Moreover,
the impressive size, comfort and advanced technology features of its cabin provide the best of both work and relaxation environments, which will make long flights a pleasure for even our most discerning customers.”
London Air Services is scheduled to receive its completed Global Express XRS jet in 2008, and will then operate aircraft from all three Bombardier business jet families. The list price for a typically equipped Global Express XRS jet is approximately $47 million US.
“To date, London Air Services has purchased seven Bombardier aircraft and we are proud to be a part of the impressive growth of their business. It is clear that Bombardier aircraft continue to be the best choice to meet the needs of their customers," said Peter Likoray, sales director, Canada, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
The Global Express XRS business jet features the largest cabin of any purpose-built corporate aircraft, offering 28 per cent more cabin volume and 45 per cent more floor space than its closest competitor. Designed to provide a highly productive working environment and deliver ultimate comfort, the cabin features up to six-foot, three-inch (1.91-m) stand up height, and a three-compartment configuration.
The Global Express XRS also delivers high-speed range capability, flying Vancouver-Shanghai non-stop in 11 hours and 29 minutes with eight passengers and three-to-four crew under certain conditions.
About London Air Services
London Air Services offers executives private, customized travel worldwide, on state-of-the-art luxury aircraft. The LAS fleet consists of two Bombardier Challenger 604 jets,
four Bombardier Lear 45 XR aircraft, and one Agusta AW139 twin-engine helicopter.
The company also has on order a second AW139 helicopter, and a Bombardier Global Express XRS ultra long-range business jet. With 23 pilots on staff, the LAS crew ensures each business passenger's needs are taken care of during the company's 24-hour a day, 7 days a week, executive travel service. London Air Service's safety and service record is impeccable.
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, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).
News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Global Express XRS, Learjet 45 XR, and Challenger 604 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Business Aircraft
Cell: 514-969-5181
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
Wendy Hartley
London Air Services
Cell: 604-817-2758
wendyhartley@telus.net