Bombardier is now linking an internal debate over the entry into service date of the Learjet 85 to a wide-ranging review of priorities that includes the flight test programmes of the Global 7000 and 8000.
The scope of the review suggests that Bombardier could re-order its development priorities, with the Learjet 85 potentially falling behind the Global 7000 and 8000 business jets in the pecking order.
“We have three flight test programmes that are now underway or will be launched soon,” says Bombardier chief executive Pierre Beaudoin, grouping the Learjet 85 with the Global jets and the CSeries programme.
“Before announcing entry into service of the Learjet 85,” he says, “I want us to revisit and look at our resources and to manage our priorities.”
The Global 7000 entry into service date is in 2016, followed by the Global 8000 in 2017. The CSeries is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2015. Bombardier originally planned to deliver the Learjet 85 in 2013, but unspecified problems with the aircraft’s structural design led to long delays.
The mid-sized business jet featuring a fuselage and wings made with composite material entered flight testing in the first quarter. The flight test vehicle continues to fly, but Bombardier has not provided specific updates on its progress.
The entry into service date of the Learjet 85 has been under review for more than a year.
“I want to make sure our team have evaluated very well our resources and where we put our priorities,” Beaudoin says.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
