Bombardier will decide within a year whether to launch development of a "super mid-size" business jet to fill the gap between the mid-sized Learjet 60 and large Canadair Challenger 604, says business-aircraft division president Michael Graff. Market research and engineering analysis are "well advanced", he adds.
If Bombardier decides to launch the aircraft, it will use proven technology and the company will work with risk-sharing partners, as it does on the Global Express long-range business jet, says Graff.
He is more reluctant to talk about possible replacement of the Learjet 31A light business-jet: "We are still examining the market for a Learjet 31 replacement, and will make a decision over the next 12 months. This is not a short-term decision. The 31 is selling well."
Bombardier will deliver 25 Learjet 31As in its current fiscal year, which ends in January 1998 - up from 12 in 1996.
"That has caused us to look again at plans to replace the aircraft," says Graff.
The Canadian company will deliver more than 90 business aircraft this financial year, up from 70 last year. Bombardier is pushing up production of the Challenger 604 from its traditional two a month to about three a month by 1998, and expects to deliver a record 32-33 aircraft by the end of its 1997 financial year.
Bombardier announced at the show that firm orders for the Global Express have reached 68 aircraft. The company also unveiled a redesigned cabin for the Learjet 60, providing an additional payload of 90kg .
Source: Flight International
