Bombardier Challenger 605 Jet Approved to Fly Into London City
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- June 14, 2007 -- Bombardier
Aerospace announced today that the widebody Challenger 605 business
jet has now been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) and Transport Canada (TC) to fly into London City Airport(i),
directly linking business and government leaders to the heart of
London's financial district.
This approval for steep approach and landing capability at London
City Airport (LYC) applies to all Challenger 604 and Challenger 605
aircraft registered in the European Union member states and Canada.
An optional service bulletin will be available for existing aircraft
owners in the third quarter of Bombardier FY07/08, and will give
details regarding crew certifications and costs.
"This is fantastic news for Challenger aircraft operators and an
important advantage for busy executives who fly on Challenger 604 and
Challenger 605 jets," said Pierre Gabriel Cote, president, Bombardier
Business Aircraft. "London is one the world's most important
financial centres and London City Airport is, by far, the quickest
way to access the city."
Open since September 2002, the London City Airport Jet Centre is
recognized by business jet users for providing a premium jet service,
with capacity for up to 14,000 aircraft movements per year. In order
to qualify to operate at London City Airport, an aircraft must
demonstrate its ability to be flown safely at a 5.5-degree or greater
approach angle, take off and land on the airport's 4,327-foot
(1,319-meter) runway, and meet the local noise requirements.
The development phase for the capability occurred in the United
States where Bombardier test pilots accumulated approximately 50
hours of flight-testing and 200 steep approach landings. Operational
evaluation into London City Airport was successfully completed on
February 23, 2007. The Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft (serial
number 5701) proved its exceptional capabilities during more than
five hours of flight-testing and eight steep-approach landings into
the airport, with actual landings performed by Bombardier, EASA and
TC pilots. EASA certification was granted on May 30 and TC
certification was granted on May 10. Paul Mulcahy, EASA test pilot,
flew the Challenger 605 jet for two of these landings and was
thoroughly impressed by its performance: "The aircraft is very speed
stable and handled extremely well throughout, easily accommodating
the airfield's challenging approach."
In service since January 2007 with Bombardier's demonstration fleet,
the Challenger 605 jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any
large category business jet available today. It is equipped with the
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and features an all new
cabin electronic system. The aircraft can whisk five-passengers from
Paris-New-York and London-Delhi non-stop(i), in superior comfort.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions,
from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation
equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global
corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year
ended Jan. 31, 2007, were $14.8 billion US, and its shares are traded
on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).
News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Note to Editors
(i) Under certain operating conditions.
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/em/2403
Bombardier, Challenger 604 and Challenger 605 are trademark(s) of
Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contacts:
Bombardier Business Aircraft
Danielle Boudreau
514-855-8149
danielle.boudreau@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com
SOURCE: Bombardier Aerospace
