Bombardier Aerospace: Singapore Airlines Orders two
Additional Learjet 45 Aircraft for Advanced Pilot
Training
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--APRIL 18, 2001 - 10:35 EDT
Bombardier Aerospace is pleased to announce that
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has placed a follow-on order for two
additional Learjet(R) 45 super-light business jet aircraft. This
new order will increase SIA's fleet of Learjet 45 aircraft to six
- all operating in a specialized pilot training role.
"Singapore Airlines is continuing expansion of its mainline fleet
with over 15 widebody aircraft to be delivered in the coming year,
this requires us to increase our ab-initio training to over 150
pilots in the coming 12 months. The Learjet 45 is an integral
part of this vital process," commented Capt. Maurice de Vaz,
Senior Vice President (Flight Operations) at Singapore Airlines.
"Bombardier is honoured and delighted to receive yet another order
from Singapore Airlines, a Learjet operator for the last 10
years," said Shawn Vick, senior vice-president, international
sales, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft. "This reflects
the Learjet 45's emergence as the preferred aircraft for pilot
training, offering the advanced technology required by mainline
fleets.
In addition to being an early supporter of the aircraft, SIA has
strong ties to the Learjet 45 program. "Singapore Airlines was a
member of the design council set up to help define the Learjet 45
aircraft, and it played a pivotal role in the development of its
flightdeck, which is similar to the modern airliners being
produced by Boeing and Airbus," observed Mr. Vick.
SIA has been operating the Learjet 45 for more than 18 months from
its Changi Airport main base. Prior to the Learjet 45 entering
service, Singapore Airlines operated a fleet of Learjet 31A*
aircraft.
Since its introduction into service in mid-1998, SIA has operated
the Learjet 45 in an unusually harsh operating environment
achieving over 6,000 hours and an amazing 10,000 cycles.
Bombardier's all-new Learjet 45, which flies faster, farther and
with more passengers than any other aircraft in its class,
received its U. S. FAA type certificate on May 6, 1998 and
European JAA approval in July 1998. In the United States, the
Learjet 45 was the first aircraft certificated to the requirements
of FAR Part 25, Amendment 77, surpassing the standards achieved by
the Airbus 330/340. It is also the only business jet under 35,000
lbs (15,874 kg) to receive type approval from the JAA which,
following certification to Change 13, equaled the certification
level achieved by the Boeing 777.
To date, the Learjet 45 has received type approval from 23 JAA
member countries and nine other international countries including
Canada.
The eight-to-nine passenger Learjet 45 operates at speeds up to
Mach .81 and altitudes up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m) above sea
level, and has a range of 2,120 nautical miles (3,926 km) with
four passengers and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) reserves. As of
January 31, 2001, the fleet had accumulated approximately 50,000
flying hours.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is the leading
business, regional and amphibious aircraft manufacturer. With
full design and production capabilities in three countries, it
offers the most comprehensive families of turboprop and regional
jet aircraft and the widest range of business jets. It also
provides the Flexjet fractional business aircraft ownership
program, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot
training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company,
is a world leading manufacturer of business jets, regional
aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational
products. It is also a provider of financial services and asset
management. The Corporation employs 56,000 people in 12 countries
in North America, Europe and Asia, and more than 90 per cent of
its revenues are generated outside Canada.
(R) Registered trademark of Bombardier Inc.
* Trademark of Bombadier Inc. |
