Bombardier Aerospace delivers first special mission Global Express
First-ever Global Express delivery from Marshall Aerospace UK.
Bombardier Aerospace has marked an important milestone with its first customer delivery of an ultra long-range Global Express® business jet configured in a special mission role.
The delivery occurred May 4, 2001, at the corporate completion center of Marshall Aerospace, Cambridge, UK, one of four independently recognized Global Express interior completion facilities.
The newly completed Global Express aircraft, s/n #9034, was delivered to Itochu Corporation, prime contractor to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). Senior representatives from Itochu Corporation and Bombardier Aerospace attended the ceremony as well as Marshall Aerospace employees.
"This is a proud moment for all of us at Marshall Aerospace because it represents our first Global Express to be completed and delivered since we were awarded a subcontract from Bombardier to conduct interior completions," said Michael E. Milne, director of marketing and business development, Marshall Aerospace. "At the same time, it also represents the first-ever delivery of a Global Express aircraft outfitted for a special mission role anywhere in the world."
Marshall Aerospace worked closely with Bombardier and Itochu Corporation of Japan on the extensive design and fitting program for the aircraft, including the installation of Automatic Flight Inspection System (AFIS) antennas in accordance with its special mission role. Aerodata of Germany will now install the AFIS equipment in the aircraft.
"We are very excited to see this first Global Express outfitted for special mission applications, " said James Aspell, director, program management, special mission aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft. "The Global Express is gaining increasing worldwide recognition as a special/multi mission aircraft because it demonstrates a clear margin o! f superiority over competing aircraft in this area."
The aircraft completed by Marshall Aerospace is one of two Global Express jets ordered by JCAB for use in flight inspection and airways calibration within Japan. These tasks require excellent handling at low altitudes and frequent low-speed approaches to airport runways. Global Express design features such as its wing slats and flaps make it very well suited for these missions.
Accelerated deliveries
Marshall Aerospace is one of four completion partners that Bombardier Aerospace has signed agreements with in the past two years to accelerate deliveries of Global Express aircraft into customer service. Its dedicated corporate jet hangar can accommodate four Global Express aircraft at any given time.
Marshall Aerospace has provided services to the aviation industry for more than 90 years. In addition to maintenance and modification services, it owns and operates Cambridge Airport, UK and is a Bombardier-recognized service center for the Global Express.
To date, more than 80 Global Express aircraft have been delivered to completion centers and customers around the world. "The worldwide Global Express fleet is quickly growing in size and — mission after mission — is demonstrating its technical superiority over competing aircraft," said Mr. Aspell. "Since entering service just 18 months ago, the Global Express is demonstrating that it can reach key destinations faster and more comfortably than any other aircraft in is class."
As of mid-April, the Global Express fleet had accumulated 13,000-flight-hour mark with a fleet dispatch reliability of 98.5% since delivery of the first aircraft in July 1999.
The Global Express is a business jet unlike any other. It is engineered to provide precious time savings in the most comfortable and productive cabin environment. Certified to the latest and most stringent regulations by both European (JAA) and North American (FAA and Transport Canada) airworthiness authorities, it flies faster and farther than any other business aircraft and accesses the most challenging ! airfields in isolated locations.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is the leading business, regional and amphibious aircraft manufacturer. With full design and production capabilities in three countries, it offers the most comprehensive families of turboprop and regional jet aircraft and the widest range of business jets. It also provides the Flexjet® fractional business aircraft ownership program, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company, is a world leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It is also a provider of financial services and asset management. The Corporation employs 79,000 people in 23 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Bombardier's revenues for its fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2001 totaled $16.1 billion and more than 90% were generated outside Canada.
Source: Bombardier Inc.