Bombardier's Lawson Steps Down
-Not Out-After 'Dream Career'

Asian Aerospace 2000 -- Calling it a satisfying 15 years, John Lawson, president of sales at Bombardier Aerospace's Business Aircraft division, plans to step down next month. Taking his place will be Peter Edwards, now senior VP of international sales at the company.

But Lawson's retirement will not be absolute. Expect to see John around the international airshow circuit and at NBAA. He also will serve as a senior advisor and perform special assignment work for Bombardier.

The timing for the change of command is good, Lawson said. After five years in the president's position, two major projects under his supervision have transitioned into production programs-the Global Express and Learjet 45. Lawson also would like to spend more time with his family after years on the road selling business jets to North American and international customers, building a customer service organization, and even selling military aircraft.

Lawson looks back with particular satisfaction on the business and regional jet empire he helped build. The 500th Challenger is due to be delivered soon and it is the top-selling large business jet, he said. Bombardier built 40 Challenger 604s last year, a satisfying accomplishment given the program's early difficulties. The Challenger-based Bombardier Regional Jet has accumulated over 1,200 orders and revolutionized the short-haul airline industry.

"We've gone from zero to first" in both the business aviation industry and regional jet market, Lawson said. "We've created employment both at Bombardier and in many support companies." The company also has imposed a financial, planning and strategy discipline on a former government-owned company, Canadair, that is emulated worldwide. After purchasing Canadair in 1986, Bombardier went on to acquire Learjet, Shorts and de Havilland, and now offers a broad-based business aircraft line. It also has instituted an efficient, standardized production system.

Lawson said he is leaving Bombardier "in great shape." The company delivered 183 business aircraft last year and is the number one business aviation manufacturer worldwide. All told he's had "a dream career" serving as a Canadian Air Force pilot, instructor and test pilot before entering the commercial side of the business.

By Paul Proctor