New Learjet 60 XR positions Bombardier for growth in Middle East

The new aircraft's advanced cockpit and restyled interior were unveiled to an enthusiastic reception on November 9, 2005 at the 58th National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention. The Learjet 60 XR business jet retains the winning combination of superior speed, reliability and value of its popular parent, while adding one of the most advanced avionics suites available today, plus an ultra modern stand-up cabin restyled for passenger comfort and functionality.

"The new Learjet 60 XR is a major step forward in offering operators the best overall value package in the midsize segment,"

stated Bob Horner, vice-president, sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "The Learjet family's celebrated in-flight comfort and high-speed performance make these aircraft particularly well suited to the needs of operators in the Middle East."

The Learjet 60 XR aircraft, the eighth Learjet model introduced in the past 15 years, builds on Bombardier's commitment to product innovation and leadership. Recent sales of a Learjet 40 and a Special Edition Learjet 60 aircraft are further evidence of the increasing market demand for the Bombardier Learjet family in the region.

State-of-the-art avionics system
The Learjet 60 XR aircraft features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21, an avionics suite that applies the latest flight deck design, human factors concepts and system technology to offer pilots instant, intuitive access to critical flight information. The integrated avionics package includes four 8-inch by 10-inch (20.3-cm by 25.4-cm) high-resolution liquid crystal display adaptive flight screens, increasing the overall display area by 75 per cent and dramatically improving the quality of the visuals.

The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 for the Learjet 60 XR aircraft also features an integrated flight information system in the cockpit - which enables electronic charts as standard equipment - allowing pilots to call up approach plates and airport diagrams on the flight displays.
The addition of an optional second file server unit eliminates the need for paper-based navigation charts, a major step towards a paperless cockpit.

Restyled interior with stand-up cabin
The Learjet 60 XR business jet's newly styled interior builds upon a stand-up cabin already well known for its superior comfort, wide aisle and generous seated head and shoulder room. Passenger space for up to nine is enhanced with redesigned seats that improve legroom,
while a larger galley and vanity cabinet offer optimized work areas and additional storage space.

The cabin also highlights a next-generation cabin electronic system with ergonomically positioned touch-screen featuring a simplified control design, as well as a state-of-the-art audio-video system capable of playing XM satellite radio and ports for entertainment accessories such as laptops, DVD, and MP3 players. The latest in light emitting diode lighting technology, a reclaimed window in the aft lavatory and new modular floorplan offering a wider choice of configurations complete the all-new interior package.

Lowest operating costs in category
Launched in 1990, the original Learjet 60 aircraft delivered transcontinental range, outstanding climb capabilities, sophisticated avionics and proven, fuel-efficient engines. On a typical mission, the midsize veteran is 18 per cent more fuel-efficient and its direct operating costs per nautical mile are up to seven per cent less than its nearest competitor.

The new Learjet 60 XR business jet builds on this successful platform to offer customers the most modern technology and comfort without compromising its outstanding performance and value. The aircraft's higher operating altitudes - certified to 51,000 ft (15,545 m) - translate to timesavings due to better winds, less traffic and less turbulence. With a high cruise speed of Mach 0.81, the Learjet 60 XR will cruise up to 20 knots (37 km/h) faster than its closest competitor at typical cruise altitudes.

Flight testing is scheduled to begin by the first quarter of 2006. Certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is expected in the first quarter of 2007, with the first Learjet 60 XR aircraft scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2007. The price of a typically equipped Learjet 60 XR business jet is $12.9 million U.S.