Bombardier hopes to be in a position to launch the Global 5000 super-large business jet formally by the end of the first quarter of next year. This represents a delay of around three months on plans outlined when the shrunken Global Express was unveiled in late October (Flight International, 30 October - 5 November).
Despite the industry-wide downturn in business jet sales, Bombardier chief executive Robert Brown says the company remains on track to launch the Global 5000, which will compete head-on with the Gulfstream GIV-SP. The $33 million aircraft is expected to enter service in late 2004.
The Canadian manufacturer says it will deliver at least 20 fewer business jets than planned in the financial year ending 30 January, 2002, or a total of fewer than 180 aircraft.
Deliveries next year could be lower. Brown does not expect orders to rebound until the economy recovers, which he does not expect before the second half of next year.
"Reduced sales of business aircraft are not tied to the events of 11 September, but to the economy," Brown says. Describing the industry's difficulties as short term, he says the "fundamentals are very strong". There is a "high level of interest" in the company's FlexJet fractional ownership programme, with orders returning to pre-11 September levels, he adds.
Despite the aerospace sector's difficulties, Bombardier expects to double its sales over the next five years to C$32 billion ($20 billion).
While initial growth will come from the mass transit sector, deliveries of the Continental super mid-size business jet beginning in 2003 and the Global 5000 in 2004 will also contribute, Brown says.
Source: Flight International
