PRESS RELEASE
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2006
BOMBARDIER LEARJET 60 SETS WORLD SPEED RECORD IN SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town, South Africa, Sept. 22, 2006 – The popular Bombardier Learjet 60 midsize jet -- recognized worldwide for its legendary performance and value -- yesterday set a world speed record for its class, flying Cape Town-Johannesburg, round trip, in two hours, 59 minutes. The flight is fully sanctioned by the Federation Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
“The aircraft performed superbly as expected,” said Terry Redman, chief pilot and director, The Aviation Co., the aircraft’s operator. “We took off from Cape Town at 10h00, local time, and quickly climbed to 37,000 feet (11,277 m) to avoid turbulence and traffic. The first leg to Johannesburg took just one hour, 24 minutes. The aircraft’s performance was put to the test against the wind on the return leg to Cape Town, arriving only one hour and 35 minutes later. The aircraft handled beautifully throughout the flight and the roundtrip time easily establishes the benchmark speed standard for this trip.”
In customer service since June 2006, the Learjet 60 aircraft, owned by Skyros Properties of Cape Town, cruised at Mach 0.81 throughout the flight, until it clocked-in with the Cape Town International Airport tower at 13h35, where its 2,000-foot (610 m) flyover confirmed its impressive time and speed. The Learjet 60 aircraft then performed several fly passes as part of the flying display at the Africa Aerospace and Defence show, landing just in time to co-star with the high-speed Bombardier Global 5000 business jet at an exclusive reception.
National Aeronautical Association (NAA) official Frank Eckhart was on board and validated the speed record with the help of two GPS devices installed specifically for this flight. The NAA will submit the record to the FAI in Paris, France, for international ratification.
Upon touch down, owner Dr. Gaston Savoi, chairman of Skyros Management, Skyros Health, and Intaka Investments, greeted his aircraft and crew. “We are delighted with our Learjet 60,” said Dr. Savoi. “The jet’s large cabin combined with its outstanding reliability is a winning combination. It has proven itself as an essential tool to travel between our various companies’ branches and affiliates in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola and Tanzania.”
Bombardier Learjet 60 XR – the next evolution of the proven Learjet 60 aircraft Bombardier introduced the Learjet 60 XR business jet in November 2005. Building on the proven reliability, value and high-speed performance of the Learjet 60, the new derivative retains its predecessor’s stand-up cabin and incorporates an advanced Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and restyled interior featuring enhanced legroom, optimized work areas, LED lighting throughout the cabin and state-of-the art audio-video system.
Like its namesake, the Learjet 60 XR aircraft delivers transcontinental range and outstanding climb capabilities, with superior fuel-efficiency and low direct operating costs per nautical mile. U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification of the Learjet 60 XR jet is expected shortly, with the first aircraft on target to enter service in early 2007.
About Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 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 Images/illustrations are available on our Web site photo gallery. www.aero.bombardier.com
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Africa Aerospace and Defence 2006
