Bombardier Aerospace (stand7011) has introduced extended range options for its Learjet 40XR and Global 5000 business jets, and upgraded its AOG support system in Europe, the company saidthis morning.
A 496km (268nm) range extension is available on all new Learjet 40XR orders and on aircraft previously ordered and scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of the current fiscal year. The range extension is the result of a312kg (687lb) increase in fuel tank capacity.
Flying at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.75, the Learjet 40XR now offers a non-stop range of 3,685km, 15% longer than previously and bringing into range such city pairs as London-Cairo (3,590km), Singapore-Taipei (3,395km) and Hong Kong-Jakarta (3,450km).
Capable of seating up to seven passengers, the Learjet 40XR can reach 43,000ft (13,105m) in 23min.
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Meanwhile, the first installation of a service bulletin extending the Global 5000's range by 740km (or 8%) has been completed at Bombardier's Fort Lauderdale Service Center in Florida. The service bulletin was issued on 21 April. At a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.85, the Global 5000 now has a range of 9,620km, enough to travel from São Paulo to Paris or from Dubai to Perth.
Development work continues on the new Global Vision flightdeck, which will be available for the Global 5000 and Global Express XRS. The cockpit, which incorporates Rockwell Collins' Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, completed its power-ontest in winter 2009 andis "on target" for its first flight, on a Global Express XRS, in summer 2009, says Bombardier.
The manufacturer has meanwhile launched an airborne parts delivery service, branded PartsExpress, and a new mobile response team (MRT) in a bid to provide "faster, more efficient" resolution of aircraft on groundsituations to Learjet, Challenger, and Global Jet operators in Europe.
PartsExpress, launched for US operators in 2007, seeks to minimise downtime by deploying a broad network of aircraft operators, eliminating delays due to lack of aircraft availability. The new MRT comprises six European Aviation Safety Agency-licensed technical and maintenance experts operating under Bombardier Belfast maintenance approval, available round-the-clock to perform AOG maintenance on Global and Challenger jets. An MRT team for Learjet 60swill come into operation near the end of 2009.
As part of the upgrade of its European support network, Bombardier has increased its inventory of the top 25 high-demand parts in its Frankfurt warehouse and claims a 95% stocking level. The facility became non-bonded in 2008.
Source: Flight Daily News
