Bombardier, a key player in the business jet industry, was established as a segment of the Bombardier conglomerate in 1989. This segment, known as Bombardier Aviation, incorporated several acquired companies including Canadair, Learjet, Short Brothers, and de Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
Over time, Bombardier Aviation shifted its focus primarily towards private aviation. The company ceased production of Learjet aircraft and sold off assets unrelated to business aviation like the Bombardier C-Series regional airliner to Airbus.
The following highlights some of Bombardier’s popular aircraft:
1. **Learjet 40**: Introduced in January 2004 and produced until 2013, this light business jet is derived from the Learjet 45 with a shorter fuselage and upgraded engines. It features Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines and had its first flight in August 2002.
2. **Learjet 70 series**: Certified by the FAA in November 2013 with deliveries beginning soon after, this model is an improved variant of the Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 featuring upgraded interiors and engines. Production ended in 2022.
3. **Global 7500**: A flagship private jet for Bombardier, it first flew in November 2016 but was certified only by September 2018. Known for its range and speed surpassing Gulfstream G650ER, it remains in production with over 200 units produced.
4. **Learjet 45**: Launched officially in 1998 and produced until 2012 with over 600 units built; it represented a clean-sheet design aimed at competing with models like Cessna Citation Excel series.
5. **Global Express series**: With variants such as Global Express XRS and Global 5000 among others still being produced today, this family includes jets powered by Rolls-Royce BR700 engines introduced to enter heavy jet markets since early ’90s.
6. **Challenger 300 series**: Announced formally in late ’90s for super-midsize market entry; models include Challenger 3500 currently under production due to their competitive performance specs making them popular among operators like Flexjet or Netjets.
“Overall,” said one source about the industry’s evolution under Bombardier’s guidance through these years,” they have continued refining designs while adapting new technologies into their lineups.”
