BOMBARDIER DELIVERS FIRST LEARJET 45 XR JET TO A NIGERIAN CUSTOMER
Wichita, Feb. 20, 2007 – Bombardier today announced that Barbedos Group,
in the historic northern Nigerian city of Kaduna, has taken delivery of
a Learjet 45 XR super light business jet. The new aircraft is equipped
with an executive interior and will operate from both Kaduna and the
Nigerian capital, Abuja, and will offer Medevac services.
This first
Learjet 45 XR jet delivered to a Nigerian customer is also the first new
technology aircraft to be based in the West African region offering
state-of-the-art Medevac capabilities.
“After researching the various
options, the Learjet 45 XR jet met all our key criteria,” said Alhaji K.
B. Shettima, president and Chief Executive Officer, Barbedos Group.
“With its flexibility, large cabin, and superior range and performance
capabilities, we are confident the Learjet 45 XR jet will help us set
the standard for charter throughout Nigeria.
“This Learjet 45 XR jet
becomes the cornerstone of our new fleet, with additional Learjet
aircraft in our expansion plan, which includes a Fixed Base Operator (FBO)
facility under the name 'Skylimit Jet & Charter Services Limited,’ a
member of Barbedos Group,” noted Mr. Shettima.
Barbedos Group, a
Nigerian corporate conglomerate, is active in diverse business interests
including aviation, the automotive industry, and oil and gas.
“This
milestone delivery is an affirmation of Bombardier’s ever-expanding
presence in Africa,” said Bob Horner, vice-president, sales, Europe,
Africa and Middle East, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Bombardier is
Africa’s market leader in the super-light jet category with 84 per cent
of the installed base market share, further emphasizing the demand for
the versatility and high-performance of the Learjet 45 XR business jet
on this continent.”
Inspired by over 40 years of Learjet history, the powerful and proven
Learjet 45 XR jet flies faster, farther, and with more passengers than
any aircraft in its class. Certified to fly up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m)
– above traffic congestion and inclement weather – its enhanced engine
performance translates to reduced balance field lengths and superior
time-to-climb under hot and high conditions*.
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,
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.
Bombardier, Learjet and Learjet 45 XR are trademarks
of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Business
Aircraft
514-969-5181
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com
