Bombardier says it is on target to deliver more than 100 business jets in its current fiscal year, which ends on 31 January, 1999. This is an increase from the 89 aircraft delivered in its last financial year. The Canadian company expects to see a further increase in deliveries next year.
Deliveries in the first six months have increased to 41 aircraft, from 29 for the same period last year. This is largely because of more handovers of Challenger 604s and Learjet 60s - 17 and 14, respectively. Deliveries in the second half, and for next year, will be boosted by shipments of the new Learjet 45 and Global Express business jets.
Bombardier has stepped up its completions capacity and says it has cut the time required to outfit a Challenger to 16-18 weeks, down from the 36 weeks required 18 months ago. An aircraft was recently completed in 15 weeks at its Tucson, Arizona, base.
Source: Flight International
