Supersonic aviation superstar Aerion has ceased operations. That was the big news — last month. Now, hard on the heels of Aerion’s closure, comes GE’s announcement of a production halt of its Affinity engine, meant to power Aerion’s AS2 supersonic jet.
It’s a death knell for Aerion and a blow to GE’s prospects in supersonic engine production. The Affinity halt caps off a two-and-a-half-year partnership with Aerion that was meant to put GE at the forefront of a bold new industry.
A lost opportunity for GE Aviation
Aerion’s decision to halt operations came as an unexpected blow to the whole supersonic aviation industry. But it hit partner companies like GE especially hard. Aerion’s AS2 was poised to be the first supersonic jet to hit the market, and GE was set to make their mark in the industry with an engine to rival Rolls Royce.
With Aerion’s production indefinitely on hold, GE’s opportunity to create the Affinity engine is gone, and its development team has moved on to other company programs.
Sunk costs could spell trouble for GE
While GE’s stoppage of the Affinity engine is a clear sign of Aerion’s permanent departure from the supersonic race, it has one other implication as well. Aerion’s competitors aren’t waiting in the wings for the Affinity engine. This is troubling for GE, which has eliminated approximately 13,000 positions in the past year. An indefinite hold on the Affinity project is a potential warning sign of significant losses for GE.
But there’s good news in the near-term. GE recently closed a deal with Indigo — India’s largest airline — for 700 CFM LEAP-1A engines and maintenance contracts. The value of the deal isn’t public, but it’s estimated at more than $20 billion, and it’s a possible offset for GE’s investment in the Affinity project.
A closer look at what could have been
With the decommissioning of the Affinity engine program, there’s more at stake than GE’s losses. The aviation industry has lost what could have been the most innovative supersonic engine ever to grace the skies. Among a host of other features, the Affinity engine was set to meet stringent Stage 5 subsonic noise requirements and beat current emissions standards. The halt in production is a setback for the whole industry.
GE’s engine was set to run on 100 percent sustainable fuels — a major leap forward for supersonic travel and the aviation industry in general. For now, supersonic travel is farther away than it was just a few short months ago.
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Supersonic air travel has been the darling of headline news for the better part of 18 months as the prospect of next-gen jets gains steam. Leading the charge is startup superstar Aerion, with its sights firmly set on a supersonic future. At least, that was the case prior to May 21, when the company abruptly issued a statement ceasing all operations, effective immediately. The news remains an enormous shock — and a significant setback for the supersonic future we envisioned.
Aerion’s departure from the industry?
Aerion’s closure signals the end of the AS2 jet, an event with heavy implications for aviation. Industry leaders had expressed confidence in Aerion’s product, with some submitting large orders and/or letters of intent (e.g., Flexjet, NetJets). Other public signs of faith in the AS2 came in the form of strong supplier relationships, such as the firm commitment from engine maker GE Aviation.
So, why did the company abruptly close its doors? The details remain shrouded in mystery. Publicly, Aerion has cited a lack of available financing as the primary cause of its sudden cessation, but the initial announcement is absent further explanation. With few concrete details — and so many signs pointing to a bright future for the AS2 — industry experts are puzzled.
Source: Aerion
Skies left wide open for the competition
Aerion wasn’t the only company poised to bring supersonic travel back, but it was the favorite. For the industry, it defined the cutting edge. Its suspension of operations is a significant blow to supersonic progress, but there are others primed to step in, namely Spike Aerospace and Boom Supersonic.
Boom’s project shows particular promise. The company has a conceptual aircraft — the XB-1 — ready for its first flight. But whether either of these companies can fill the void left by Aerion, or garner its high-profile support, remains to be seen.
Rippling ramifications of a changing landscape
Aerion’s suppliers are also feeling the blow. GE Aviation, set to provide the AS2 with an engine to rival Rolls Royce, has suspended operations for its Affinity program.
Boeing held a stake in Aerion’s supersonic program as well, and the aviation giant has already announced their intent to continue Aerion’s work. How they intend to do so is still in question, but industry experts speculate that Aerion’s talent may move to Boeing and work in-house on a model similar to the AS2.
While details and speculation continue to leak over the next few months — or years — Aerion’s chapter in supersonic aviation appears at an end. And the AS2 may not lead the charge back to supersonic speeds, but its contribution to the future of next-gen aviation is significant.
One question remains: Which supersonic jet will be the first to take off?
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Supersonic flight isn’t a novel concept, but it does have the potential to be something we’ve never seen before. Most of us remember the Concorde (1979-2003) and its ability to break the sound barrier. Unfortunately, most of us also remember its problematic sonic booms, fuel guzzling, and safety concerns. As we approach a new age of supersonic flight, there’s optimism that these concerns are a mere product of the past, and something we can remedy in the future. If so, we’re looking at a supersonic future unlike anything we’ve experienced so far.
Supersonic flight defined
How fast is supersonic flight, and what does it mean to supersede the speed of sound? The speed of sound, known in the aviation industry as “Mach 1,” varies with atmospheric pressure and temperature conditions.
As a general benchmark, at sea-level pressure and an air temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, sound travels about 760 miles per hour. Supersonic speed is any speed above Mach 1, while hypersonic flight occurs at speeds beyond five times the speed of sound, or “Mach 5.”
When planes travel through Earth’s atmosphere at supersonic speeds, they generate a sonic boom that people on the ground can hear. It’s highly disruptive to the environment due to the concussive sound waves that trail in the wake of the plane. This is a major part of why supersonic flight is no longer permitted today.
Looking back at the Concorde
The Concorde was the first passenger-carrying commercial airplane to fly at supersonic speeds. The jet had a maximum cruising speed of 1,354 miles per hour, just above Mach 2. The Concorde phased out in 2003, leaving supersonic travel out of the realm of passenger flight.
Typical commercial passenger jets of today travel at top speeds of around 575 miles per hour, significantly lower than the speed of sound. But there’s renewed interest in supersonic passenger travel, along with innovations that could make it possible once again.
Travelers feel the need for speed
Could you fly from NYC to LON in one hour? At today’s airspeed travel, not even with the strongest tailwinds. But look a decade into the future and, surprisingly, that answer becomes “yes.” While it currently takes around 7 hours to reach LON from NYC on commercial airliners, supersonic travel can reduce flight time to around one hour. In effect, supersonic jets could make the world a whole lot smaller.
Aviation innovator Aerion has announced plans for the AS3, a new supersonic commercial airliner that can reach speeds above Mach 4. The jet is projected to carry up to 50 passengers for 7,000 miles. Production of a smaller model, the AS2, will begin in 2023, to bring Mach 2 flight capability to a broader audience, revolutionizing the commercial aviation industry.
Looking ahead at boomless flights
Technology has come a long way since the days of the Concorde. The problems that plagued the famed aviation company — including disruptive supersonic booms — can be eliminated with modern innovations, which are the focus of research by companies like Aerion. The AS2 will feature Boomless Cruise technology to take advantage of a special atmospheric condition called Mach Cut Off, where sonic boom refracts off dense, warm layers of air.
Sonic booms have the potential to break glass, crack plaster, and cause other damage over residential areas on the ground. The potential for boomless supersonic flight not only enhances the experience for those in the cabin, it’s also more mindful of those on the ground. Cracking the code to boomless flight is the first step in bringing supersonic jets back to the skies.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
We’ve been musing about the “Future Falcon” from Dassault for the better part of two years. Ever since the Falcon 5X was cancelled in 2017 and reinvented as the Falcon 6X in 2020, there has been a “shadow jet” lurking within the subtext. Speculation has run high about what Dassault has kept under wraps.
Now, we know it’s a super-sophisticated luxury jet, meant to compete “at the very top of the pyramid,” according to aircraft consultant Rolland Vincent in an interview with Bloomberg. It’s an exciting prospect that we’ll soon learn more about, when it’s formally announced.
A jet to compete at the highest levels
As rumors surrounding the “Future Falcon” continue to swirl throughout the aviation industry, Dassault has been tight-lipped about their next entry in the corporate jet market. While Dassault executives have offered no concrete specifics regarding their new model, aviation insiders are starting to get a clearer picture of what to expect from this new ultra-luxury business jet. Once deliveries of the new aircraft begin in 2025, buyers can expect a jet that matches or exceeds rival models in size, speed, and range.
Gulfstream plans to deliver its latest entry in the luxury business jet market, the G700, in 2022. Expected to be the flagship of the brand, the new model will focus on corporate travel, to offer more speed, lower operating costs, and a more comfortable ride. Gulfstream has raised the bar for cabin innovation and customization — the new Dassault entry will take cues from the G700 and push the innovations further to stand out in the market.
Meanwhile, Bombardier has already distinguished itself as the industry leader when it comes to large, purpose-built business aircraft. The Global 7500 has redefined the business jet market, featuring the industry’s most advanced flight deck with enhanced and synthetic vision for increased situational awareness. On top of many safety innovations, the model boasts the longest range and the smoothest ride, making it a very attractive option for high-dollar customers looking for the ultimate in private travel luxury.
We won’t truly know what Dassault’s “Future Falcon” has to offer until the company officially unveils the new model. What’s certain is that aviation enthusiasts can expect revolutionary upgrades. Dassault has a very healthy $600M budget for R&D, expected to translate into never-before-seen innovations that will set the model apart from its rivals. The new entry won’t just be a better Falcon 6X — it’ll be a totally unique jet, expected to set the standard for the luxury business jet market.
When will wraps finally come off the “Future Falcon”? The company has repeatedly hinted at an introduction “sometime in the first half of 2021,” which means the clock is ticking on an unveiling. What’s the holdup? Reports claim that the company is pushing for a live, in-person event post-pandemic, to generate even stronger buzz behind its new jet. If that’s not possible, Dassault will take cues from virtual events, including its own highly successful Falcon 6X virtual event in late 2020.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Few industries suffered during the pandemic like aviation. Strangely enough, private aviation actually found ways to soar higher while the whole of commercial fleets sat grounded on the tarmac. Now, with the end of the pandemic on the horizon, private aviation is ramping up even beyond pre-pandemic heights. Q1 figures show a surge in jet deliveries, with even more orders rolling in. If the trend continues, we could find ourselves in a true golden age of private aviation.
Strong figures mark sustained growth
According to Q1 figures, interest in private aviation has remained strong throughout the pandemic and has even exceeded the expectations of many in the private jet manufacturing and aviation sales industry.
Aerospace Group — which includes much-loved brands Gulfstream and Jet Aviation — experienced one of its strongest sales quarters in the past two years, with sales increasing 11.6% from the first quarter of 2020. Textron Aviation also saw a jump in sales, with more business jet deliveries, more orders, and a backlog at the end of the quarter totaling $2.1 billion.
While Aerospace Group and Textron Aviation experience increasing demand, other major players hit during the pandemic are beginning to see sales figures trending closer to normal. Embraer is just one legacy brand that’s noticing a stabilization in sales and a swift return to pre-pandemic operations. Sales for the brand jumped while losses narrowed during Q1. Embraer delivered 22 jets during the period, a 50% increase from the same period last year.
Some brands still struggle to achieve liftoff
Other brands are trending in a positive direction, but recovery depends on losses suffered during the pandemic.
Heritage brand Bombardier is facing an uphill battle as they enter post-pandemic operations — and much of the company’s struggles stem from pre-pandemic woes. The company has taken steps to restructure its holdings, transitioning to an aviation-only business and selling off other holdings to cover debts and losses. As they look toward the future, they plan to produce 100-120 business jets annually, focusing on cost reduction to ensure greater revenue.
A return to the skies is fueling private aviation
As the world begins to open up in 2021 and travel rebounds concurrently, private aviation brands expect increased interest from businesses and individuals looking to enter the private business jet market or update their current fleet. Fractional jet companies in particular are eager to expand their fleets to accommodate increasing demand for private jet travel.
With new passenger consumption patterns, industry practices, and innovations, private aviation is expected to enter a new, more efficient era. Demand for private jet travel shows no sign of slowing down. More people will fly private in the post-pandemic world, which means more jets to keep up with demand. Legacy brands, as well as smaller operators, can expect sales to remain strong through all of 2021 and beyond — and analysts eagerly await sales and delivery reports to prove it.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Only a year ago, reports of Gulfstream’s G280 were trending on doom and gloom. Speculation was that the company was soon to replace its popular super-midsize business jet with something newer and more sophisticated. Rumor snowballed even further when there were no planned upgrade announcements. Now, Gulfstream has finally stepped forward to squash the rumors in a big way. Not only has the company recommitted to its flagship G280 model, it has also announced a swath of major upgrades that’ll keep the G280 in the skies for another decade to come.
Gulfstream breaks the silence
As competitors in the super-midsize business jet market continue to roll out upgrades for their models, Gulfstream has been largely silent regarding the G280. The good news is, the G280 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Far from shelving the popular model, Gulfstream has been working behind the scenes on much-needed upgrades designed to wow potential buyers as they look for next-gen capabilities.
Not only will new G280 models feature fantastic safety and operational improvements, they will also come with luxury passenger upgrades that heighten the experience of every flight. Rather than roll out updates incrementally, Gulfstream has opted to perfect its next-gen tech and roll out a complete upgrade package all at once.
A look at the G280 updates
Gulfstream is pulling out all the stops when it comes to setting up its G280 to compete against next-gen jets. Here’s a look at some of the improvements jet buyers can expect to see when new models hit the tarmac:
New surface management system: This major safety upgrade provides aural and visual cues to alert pilots to any unsafe ground and arrival operations.
Vertical weather and predictive wind shear information: This predictive technology helps pilots avoid turbulence and sudden increases or decreases in ground and air speed, as well as other violent air movements.
External LED lighting: LED lighting provides superior visibility and reliability, as well as reduces power consumption, which is especially important for all exterior lights including position lights, anti-collision lights, landing and taxi lights, and more.
De-ionization fresh air system: These systems greatly improve cabin air quality by flushing pathogens and allergens from recirculated cabin air.
360-degree HD camera: Combined with state-of-the-art screens in the cabin, HD cameras offer a panoramic view of the outside world in real time during every flight.
Gulfstream’s reinvestment in the G280 provides more than comfort and safety for owners; the brand is making adjustments to the model to ensure that it complies with modern air regulations, specifically CPDLC FANS-E compliance. With these required updates, owners can expect priority treatment by air traffic control and improved communications during flight.
Gulfstream has also confirmed that the G280 meets Stage 5 noise standards. This will broaden the range of airports and departure/landing schedules accessible to owners, including those at noise-sensitive airports.
Flight-tested features from other jets
Many of these upgrades are actually retrofits of tested and proven technologies, including those featured in Gulfstream’s G700. Owners of the updated G280 can take advantage of best-in-class G700 technologies at a significantly lower cost. Moreover, current G280 owners can easily enjoy these updates — Gulfstream has made it as simple as possible to take advantage of them, accessible through routine service upgrades
Owners and prospective buyers can expect to see improvements deployed throughout 2021, culminating in the fourth quarter of this year.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
While it’s common knowledge that most forefront airframe makers and avionics companies are investing in electric vehicles behind closed doors, Textron has chosen to make its emphasis on these craft public. In March 2021, the company officially announced the rollout of its eAviation division. This isn’t a surprise to anyone following the company’s work on the Nexus air taxi and Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) designs, but it is a signal that big things could be coming to the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market later this year or in the coming year.
A prevailing focus on eVTOLs
Textron is best known in private aviation for its highly successful Cessna Citation jets; however, the company is much larger and more diverse. It also operates Bell and Textron Systems — wholly owned subsidiaries with technologies that run parallel to its aviation division. Now, it’s adding an eAviation division into the fold.
In a conversation with AINonline, Textron Senior Executive Rob Scholl explained the new division as a culmination of “the work across our aerospace and defense businesses to develop new opportunities and take advantage of our fixed-wing and rotorcraft expertise in emerging technologies.”
Textron is uniquely positioned to capitalize on eVTOLs. Not only does the company have broad experience across manned and unmanned vehicles, it also has strong government connections through its subsidiaries. With the recent announcement of a massive nationwide infrastructure plan by the Biden administration, Textron is looking ahead at a future where eVTOLs are part of the transportation network. In simpler terms: Air taxis are coming.
Textron has reiterated plainly that its new division isn’t in a hurry to push a product out to a still-developing market. In his conversation with AINonline, Scholl says, “I do think we have to be cautious here in terms of not getting too far out front of a regulatory environment that’s very uncertain to allow that business model to be successful.”
Thanks to its government connections and pipeline of technologies, Textron doesn’t need to be first to market. While other companies pave the way, Textron is content to capitalize on a market that’s expected to support many players. The eVTOL market could reach $4.2 billion by 2033.
Is an eVTOL market nearing?
It’s no secret that many eVTOL companies are ready to bring their craft to market. Even Textron could likely make a play at urban and regional eVTOLs with its Nexus air taxi and APT designs. What’s standing in the way?
Infrastructure and regulatory compliance are the two chief hurdles. Before Textron and other companies can ferry passengers from the Bronx to Queens or from Los Angeles to San Diego, they’ll need to jump through a myriad of hoops. Textron, like many others, is waiting for the first brave company to lay the go-to-market groundwork by clearing these hurdles. And, when some industrious startup finally takes the plunge, Textron will be close behind with its own polished eVTOL offering, courtesy of its new eAviation division.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Chatter about supersonic jets has been bubbling for years. Now, it appears that chatter has become a full-blown conversation — at least for NetJets and supersonic jet maker Aerion. The two recently sat down to ink an option deal for 20 supersonic jets, to make NetJets the first supersonic charter provider in the United States.
It’s the first trickle of many more deals to come as the prospect of supersonic jets becomes more real and charter companies seek to position themselves for a competitive advantage. The deal is more than a jumpstart to the supersonic race to the skies — it’s a vote of confidence that we’re not far from a future of supersonic flight.
An intriguing deal that goes beyond jets
NetJets has optioned 20 of Aerion’s AS2 supersonic jets, at a price tag of $120 million per craft. The deal, worth $2.4 billion, follows an identical order by NetJets competitor Flexjet, which means roughly half of Aerion’s current order backlog comes from the fractional jet market. It’s an interesting way to kick off the supersonic age, and one that suggests continued fractional jet popularity in the coming years.
What makes NetJets’ order unique are the peripherals of the deal. NetJets isn’t just ordering jets — they’re forming a full-on partnership with Aerion in a move to establish supersonic dominance. NetJets is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, as is FlightSafety International.
After inking the NetJets deal with Aerion, Berkshire Hathaway announced a supersonic flight training academy venture, aimed at preparing the next generation of pilots for supersonic travel. The kicker? The academy will be operated by FlightSafety International, at an Aerion-branded facility. It signals much deeper ties between the jet maker, Berkshire Hathaway, and its significant holdings in private aviation.
NetJets and Aerion will also explore an exclusive partnership that leverages Aerion Connect into the NetJets platform.
A big bet on supersonic
Fractional jet buy-in is just the first sign of an impending supersonic future. Aerion is one of several companies racing to get a supersonic jet into the skies — competitors include Boom Supersonic and Spike Aerospace, which will likely seek to follow Aerion’s lead in inking their own deals with prospective buyers.
With the opening of the Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor slated for 2023, supersonic airframe designers are up against a ticking clock to be the first to book test time in the skies. And while there are several jets in service that could easily break the sound barrier, fractional jet companies and other investors have their interests set on jets that can push toward the Mach 2 threshold.
Fractional jets stand to capture the future
There’s a reason fractional jet companies are first-in on the supersonic jets. There’s new market of people willing to forgo commercial transport for a flight that’s a fraction of the duration. With speeds as much as 50% faster than conventional commercial jets, fractional jet popularity could skyrocket early in the supersonic age. While competitors wait to get their hands on backlogged AS2 jets or similar models, NetJets and Flexjet stand to reap the benefits of being early adopters.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
While many airframe makers are delighted to get their 100th customer in five years, Gulfstream has once again shown how popular and innovative its G500 and G600 series of jets is. The company recently announced that it achieved the 100-customer milestone in just three and a half years, blowing by industry benchmarks yet again. These models entered service in 2018 and 2019 respectively, after a globetrotting showcase that revved up buyers in early 2018.
Since their inception, the G500 and G600 jets have done nothing but astonish the market. They’ve collectively logged 25,000 hours, made 13,600 landings, and achieved more than 60 speed records. More importantly, they’ve attracted the attention of eager buyers since their announcement.
The 100th delivery of the G500/G600 program all but cements Gulfstream’s mid-sized powerhouses. The company isn’t content with reaching this milestone on merit alone, either. Alongside the news, Gulfstream also announced service improvements to help owners get even more out of these industry-leading models.
A focus on continued excellence
Only two years removed from their market debut, Gulfstream has continued to modify the capabilities of the G500/G600 models. Specifically, the company increased the range of each jet by 100 nautical miles, at both long-range and high-speed cruise speeds. After enhancements, the G500 now has a range of 5,300 nm at Mach 0.85 and 4,500 nm at Mach 0.90. The G600 sports an increased range of 6,600 nm at Mach 0.85 and 5,600 nm at Mach 0.90.
The increased range and fuel economy stem from an increased payload capacity and reduced airframe weight on both jets. According to Gulfstream President Mark Burns, these enhancements are already available to in-service owners and are standard on new deliveries effective immediately.
The G Series family grows stronger
Gulfstream has a storied history of leadership in the mid-sized and long-range jet segments. The G500/G600 models represent continued dominance — so much so that the company has begun to restructure its G Series jet line.
The company has begun phasing out its G550 model in favor of G500 and G600 options. Meanwhile, there’s much fanfare about the upcoming G700, slated to enter service in 2022. Gulfstream’s fleet — which encompasses everything from the small G280 to the lavish G700 — makes it a contender in any market, including the competitive mid-sized market where the G500/G600 continue to make waves.
Orders keep rolling in
Interest in the G500/G600 isn’t waning, even as the 100-order milestone comes and goes. Gulfstream expects an uptick in orders through 2021 and 2022, thanks largely in part to the increased range and efficiency improvements. The jets have also received plenty of media attention and near-universal accolades from reviewers and brokers alike — especially those seeking a jet poised to lead the market into the coming decade. The only question left to ask is when Gulfstream will announce its 200th order.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
In an attempt to pare down debt and restructure the company into a profitable organization for the long-term, Bombardier has announced the discontinuation of the beloved Learjet line. At the end of 2021, the company will stop producing new Learjet models and let the current fleet ride out its tenure. It’s a blow to the industry as one of the original private jet brands is retired. The silver lining is that Bombardier has pledged to offer support for all Learjet models indefinitely.
A casualty of the evolving aviation landscape
Learjet isn’t the first remarkable private aviation brand to fall to the dog-eat-dog nature of the industry. It is, however, the most iconic. Brought under the Bombardier umbrella in 1990, Learjet paved the way for private jets in the earliest days of the industry. Its founding in 1962 laid the groundwork for private aviation for not only business but also lifestyle.
Learjet was once the pinnacle of private aviation. For perspective, there’s an old story that says Elvis Presley borrowed Frank Sinatra’s Learjet to elope with Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967. It’s more than a fun anecdote — it’s a remark about Learjet’s prestige. Even right up to the modern day, Learjet remained one of the most widely trusted and respected names in private aviation.
So why is Bombardier closing the book on such a beloved name? All signs point to financial turmoil and the dynamism of modern jets.
Learjet lives on in history
In discontinuing Learjet, Bombardier will cut 1,600 jobs and save roughly $400 million by 2023. It’s another sign of Bombardier’s restructuring woes as it strives to move past a hard pandemic year and establish profitability in the years to come. As unfortunate as it sounds, the cut makes sense from a business perspective.
Once the pinnacle of private aviation, Learjet’s capabilities have diminished noticeably in the face of modern competitors like Embraer’s Phenom 100 or General Dynamics’ Gulfstream jets. Even Bombardier’s own Global series created unwanted competition for the Learjet line. As modern planes boast bigger cabins, longer fuel ranges, and more impressive features, Learjet sales continued to dip.
Now, as we stand on the precipice of a return to supersonic jets, the death knell for Learjet is ringing. It’s a brand that’s set to retire to the annals of history, where the aviation industry will remember it fondly.
Continued service for the current fleet
Bombardier isn’t slamming the door on Learjet. Instead, the company rolled out the Learjet RACER remanufacturing program. The program is designed to support all Learjet models that remain in service, including Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 aircraft. RACER will offer support for airframe components, avionics, engines, and maintenance, to meet the needs of current Learjet owners not ready to retire their prized jets.
Today, there are just under 5,000 Learjets still in service — a testament to the longevity of the brand and the satisfaction of its owners. And while that number will dwindle in time, it’s impossible to forget about the original private jet: the one that made private aviation real.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
