LEARJET 85 PROJECT STOPPED

Business jet manufacturer Bombardier said it was suspending development of the Learjet 85 project, attributing this to low demand for light business aircraft. It is expected that the company will have to reduce the number of people employed in the production of components for the aircraft. The company focuses its efforts on the C-Series and Global 7000/8000 projects in which it sees potential in the current market situation.

The Learjet 85 was planned as an all-composite aircraft and was expected to enter service in 2013. But technical problems arose in the fabrication of composite structures, which resulted in development delays. In April 2014, a prototype Learjet 85 performed a test flight. No further tests followed.