Bombardier Learjet and Mark Parkinson, Governor of Kansas, Working Together on Securing the Future of Learjet in Wichita
Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson met yesterday with senior executives of Bombardier Aerospace, including its President and COO, Guy C. Hachey and Business Aircraft President, Steve Ridolfi at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom. Both Bombardier and the Governor have agreed to collaborate on securing the future of the Learjet site in Wichita, Kansas. Details of these positive discussions will be shared publicly at an event in Wichita on July 30.
“The aerospace industry and the general aviation industry, in Wichita and throughout the country, have faced enormous challenges in the wake of the economic recession,” said Governor Mark Parkinson. “I’m pleased to work with Bombardier to secure the future of Learjet in Wichita and further our economic recovery in Kansas.”
“Wichita is the birthplace of Learjet aircraft and the iconic Learjet brand will always be synonymous with its city of origin,” said Mr. Ridolfi. “Bombardier Aerospace will work with Governor Parkinson’s office to ensure that the success Learjet has enjoyed for over 45 years continues to originate in the Great State of Kansas.”
Bombardier Aerospace continues to invest in both current production Learjet aircraft as well as innovative products such as the all new Learjet 85 midsize jet.
Launched on October 30, 2007, the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet and first business jet designed for type certification under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25 to use composite materials for all external primary structures.
An extraordinary advancement in next-generation flight, the Learjet 85 aircraft’s all-composite* structure will allow Learjet aircraft designers to maximize cabin comfort while minimizing drag and improving performance. Bombardier Aerospace’s Learjet site will be responsible for the aircraft’s final assembly, interior completion, paint, test flight program and final delivery. The site is now readying for the start of production of the all-new jet. Modification plans to the Learjet campus include a new paint facility and expansion of aircraft assembly, flight test and customer delivery centre to accommodate the largest, fastest, longest-range Learjet aircraft ever.
An invitation to media to join Bombardier Aerospace, Learjet and the Governor on July 30th to celebrate this commitment will follow in the coming days. Additional details will be available at that time.
Source: BOMBARDIER
