Bombardier Aerospace today announced that it has delivered its first Learjet 60 XR and Challenger 850 jets to customers based in mainland China on March 5 and March 26, 2010, respectively.
"The milestone deliveries mark another important step in Bombardier's growing presence in China," said Ray Jones, vice president, International Sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "Bombardier's growing fleet of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft in the region speaks to the tremendous opportunities offered by this dynamic market."
China is among a number of countries identified as emerging markets for business aviation. Globalization, increased travel requirements by business people and a general positive trend towards the acceptance of business aicraft use are among the contributors to increased activity in the region. Bombardier delivered its first Global 5000 jet for operation in mainland China in July 2009.
Mr. Benshan Zhao, a renowned entertainer in China, took delivery of the Challenger 850 business jet on March 26, 2010. The aircraft will be managed by Lily Jet and will be available for charter when not in use by the Benshan Media Group.
"I believe this will be a great investment of Benshan Media Group," said Mr. Zhao. "It was through Lily Jet that I first became aware of the qualities of this aircraft, including its reliability and the potential the cabin provides for increased productivity in transit. It really is a valuable business tool."
Both the Learjet 60 XR and Challenger 850 jets are Type Certificated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
The Challenger 850 jet combines outstanding dependability with an executive cabin and the superior level of support business jet customers demand. The aircraft features the cabin volume of an ultra long-range jet with a range of up to 2,811 nautical miles (5,206 km)(i). It is the benchmark for cabin comfort in its market segment.
In service since July 2007, the Learjet 60 XR aircraft is a proven model of performance, comfort, value and versatility in the midsize jet market segment. The aircraft delivers a high cruise speed of Mach 0.81 (861 km/hr), superior climb capabilities, proven fuel efficiency and low direct operating costs per nautical mile(i). The jet's higher operating altitudes - certified to 51,000 ft (15,545 m) - translate to time savings due to better winds, less traffic and less turbulence. The Learjet 60 XR aircraft is now available with the Signature Series interiors, which combine bold design elements with increased functionality to bring the large cabin concept to a midsize jet.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2010, were $19.4 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Learjet, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger, Challenger 850, Global and Global 5000 are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
(i)Under certain operating conditions.
Contacts:
Bombardier Business Aircraft
Haley Dunne
1-514-855-7595
haley.dunne@aero.bombardier.com
www.aero.bombardier.com