Steady the Course at Bombardier

Bombardier launched no new aircraft programs or variants at the NBAA show, choosing instead to highlight its existing product offerings.

Bombardier business aircraft president Rob Gillespie said the Global Express program is progressing well despite "early growing pains" and slow completions.

"Orders have reached 120, and the 18 aircraft in service have achieved a 98.15 percent dispatch reliability rate," Gillespie said.

"Unlike its primary competition [the Gulfstream V] the Global is JAA-certified, making it more appealing to European customers," he added.

"We are augmenting Global Express completions capability, but still face challenges with regard to early aircraft," Gillespie said.

Other NBAA highlights for Bombardier include delivery of the 500th Challenger (a 604) to Christos Costakos, the chairman and CEO of E*Trade, and the delivery of the 200th Learjet 31A to Falcon Air Services of Phoenix.

The 100th Learjet 45 is on display at New Orleans Lakefront Airport during the show. European RVSM approval for the type is expected in the coming weeks, Gillespie said, adding that 18 Learjet 45s will join Bombardier's Flexjet fractional program this year.

Flexjet expects to sign its 600th owner by the end of the year, and reach a total of 900 aircraft shares sold. Gillespie said the Flexjet fleet now comprises more than 100 aircraft.

The Learjet 60 program also is moving forward. Aircraft beginning with serial number 115 will feature a new, lighter weight interior with several components relocated to improving weight distribution.

Construction of the first Bombardier Continental business jet proceeds in Wichita. Gillespie says the program is "on track and on schedule," with 100 orders to date.

By Paul Richfield