Q3 Results On Bombardier Jet Program Developments and Cancellations Just this morning, Canadian airframer Bombardier released its Third Quarter performance ending September 30th, 2015. In the release the company highlighted the latest in the various Executive jet programs. One of the major points highlighted is that the Learjet 85 program has been officially cancelled. It is not on hold anymore but cancelled. Due to the lack of sales following the prolonged market weakness, Bombardier cancelled the Learjet 85 aircraft program. As a result, a $1.2-billion charge was recorded in special items in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, mainly related to the impairment of the remaining Learjet 85 development costs as well as to an increase in other provisions. The company states they remain committed to the LearJet family of aircraft.
In other development news released in the Q3 results, Bombardier detailed progress on the Global 7000 program. The engines have been mounted on the first Global 7000 Flight Test Vehicle (FTV). All structural components have been joined on FTV1, including the rear, center and forward fuselage sections, the wing, the landing gear and vertical and horizontal stabilizers. In addition, installation of the wiring harnesses and functional test procedures have commenced on FTV1. FTV2 is in final assembly with major structural components joined, including the rear, center and forward fuselage sections and cockpit. Two additional FTVs are in various stages of production and assembly. The Integrated Systems Test and Certification Rig (ISTCR) has been commissioned and safety-of-flight testing is underway. The avionics System Integrated Test Stand (SITS) rig has been installed in Toronto and the Global 7000 Complete Airframe Static Test (CAST) rig has been commissioned. These comprehensive test articles will ensure the maturity of the aircraft’s structure and systems throughout the flight test program and before entry-into-service (EIS). Engine development by our supplier as well as ground and flight testing of the engine are progressing as expected. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in the second half of 2018. Finally, the Canadian company said that work on the Challenger 650 certification program is approximately 95% completed. It is progressing towards EIS in the fourth quarter of 2015. A Challenger 605 aircraft with upgraded avionics was used to perform certification testing. For more information: Bombardier Aerospace 400 Côte-Vertu Road West Dorval, Quebec H45 1Y9 Canada www.bombardier.com ***
