Grob Aerospace Will Still Handle Preproduction Work

Bombardier announced Thursday its facility in Queretaro, Mexico will manufacture the composite structure for the upcoming Learjet 85 business jet. The Queretaro site will also manufacture the electrical harness and perform sub-assembly systems installation.

Final assembly, interior completions, flight test and customer delivery of this next-generation aircraft will take place at Bombardier's Wichita facility, home of the Learjet brand.

"Mexico is key to the development of a highly competitive aerospace industry in Central and South America, as well as to Bombardier's increased competitiveness in the international marketplace," said Jean Seguin, Vice-President Engineering and Supply Chain, Bombardier Aerospace. "With our facility in Queretaro, we continue to expand our manufacturing capacity while increasing the efficiency of our operations. In keeping with our tradition of innovation, the composite manufacturing capacity we are adding to our plant in Mexico is an excellent complement to the approximately 40 years of experience in advanced composites technologies developed at our Bombardier facilities."

"The name Learjet embodies a legacy of excellence in the history of business aviation and as with all our Learjet aircraft, Wichita will remain the site for final completion of our new Learjet 85 aircraft," said David Coleal, Vice-President and General Manager, Learjet Product Line.

As ANN reported, Bombardier announced in January Grob Aerospace had been selected to develop the all-composite structure of the Learjet 85, and produce the composite structure during the initial production cycle. During this period, Bombardier will transfer composite manufacturing from Grob to its Queretaro site.

Launched on October 30, 2007 the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under US Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25. Entry into service is planned for fiscal year 2012/13.

Bombardier began operations in May 2006 at its facility in the El Marques Industrial Park, and a second plant located at the new Queretaro Aerospace Park was officially inaugurated in February. Currently, approximately 900 employees work at Bombardier's facilities in Queretaro where they manufacture electrical harnesses and structural aircraft components, including the Challenger 850 mid-fuselage, the Q400 aircraft flight control work package, and the aft fuselage for the Global family of aircraft.

By the end of fiscal year 2008/09, Bombardier Aerospace expects the workforce to increase to 1,200 full-time employees.

FMI: www.bombardier.com