Learjet 85 makes debut at NBAA

Bombardier Aerospace debuted its mid-size Learjet 85 at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention, where officials say flight tests and the program are progressing.

“It is flying,” said Michel Oeuellete, Bombardier vice president of airplane programs and customer services for business aircraft. In fact, it’s made 60 flights.

He declined to say when the jet, the largest Learjet to date, may be certified or delivered to customers.

The company launched the Learjet 85 in 2007. It had been set to enter service last year. Some analysts and aviation experts have wondered about the fate of the program.

The company is collecting and analyzing flight test data and continuing flight testing.

“The program is doing good,” Oeuellet said. The rest will unfold, he said.

“We’re proud to have it here,” Oeuellet said.

The biggest customer for the Learjet 85 has been Flexjet, the former Bombardier-owned fractional operation.

The company is pleased with deliveries and its position on the Learjet 70 and 75, Oeuellet said.

“We’re pleased with where we are,” he said. The company is satisfied with the demand and feedback for the jets, he said.

People like the 70 and 75, he said.

Demand for Bombardier’s largest jets has been brisk. Demand for its ultra-large and large business jets has been excellent, he said.

Company officials have said that Bombardier remains focused on the Global 7000 and 8000 program.

This story was originally published October 23, 2014 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Learjet 85 makes debut at NBAA."