Bombardier Business Aircraft has marked an historic milestone in business aviation with the delivery of the 3,000th Learjet business jet manufactured. 

The jet, which was delivered to Leggett & Platt earlier this month, is also the 100th Learjet 75 jet to be delivered, and the second to join the US company’s fleet. 

Learjet aircraft are renowned worldwide for their sleek ramp appeal and are favoured by pilots for their handling characteristics and high-performance. 

Tonya Sudduth, General Manager, Learjet Programs and Wichita Site, Bombardier Business Aircraft, presented the milestone jet to Jeffrey Presslor, Director of Aviation, C R Mullere, Director of Maintenance, and Rick Schneider, Pilot, Leggett & Platt, at an event attended by distinguished guests, employees and media at the Bombardier Learjet facility in Wichita, US, where the aircraft was assembled. 

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, US Congressman Ron Estes, officials from the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County also joined the event.

“The 3,000th Learjet aircraft represents a very special moment in the iconic legacy of Learjet, and is a testament to the success of the product,” said Sudduth. “We are thrilled that our friends at Leggett & Platt are celebrating this important moment with us.”

“We congratulate Bombardier on manufacturing the 3,000th Learjet aircraft,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “This is an impressive milestone that required the contributions of generations of Learjet workers and reflects the resilience of a location that not only manufactures Learjet aircraft, but also performs flight testing for new aircraft as well as after-market services for aircraft post-delivery. We value Bombardier and appreciate the company’s long-term commitment to Kansas.”

“Today is an exciting day in Bombardier Learjet history,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We are pleased that Leggett & Platt have chosen to welcome this milestone aircraft to their fleet to support the needs of their diversified business. The Learjet 75 business jet is valued worldwide for its innovative technology, smooth ride, superior cabin experience and legendary performance, and continues to set the benchmark in private aviation.”

“Leggett & Platt pioneered sleep technology, introducing its first bedspring more than 125 years ago. Today, as a diversified manufacturer of an array of products, we are proud to operate and serve a broad suite of customers worldwide. The Learjet 75 offers an indispensable productivity tool to help us keep pace with the complexity and cadence of our operations,” said Jeffrey Presslor, Director of Aviation, Leggett & Platt. “We are delighted to be part of this important moment in Learjet history, and congratulate Bombardier on this historic milestone.”

Founded in 1883, Leggett & Platt a leading US producer of bedding components, automotive seat support and lumbar systems, components for home furniture and work furniture, adjustable beds, carpet cushion, high-carbon drawn steel wire, and bedding industry machinery.


LEARJET HISTORY

Learjet aircraft are assembled at Bombardier Business Aircraft’s facility in Wichita. The visionary Learjet lineage began over 50 years ago with the introduction the Learjet 23 aircraft. Bombardier acquired Learjet in 1990, introducing the Learjet 45 aircraft in 1997, the first new clean sheet design since the Learjet 23 business jet. 

Today, the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 business jets, derived from the Learjet 40 XR and Learjet 45 XR aircraft, continue to set the standard in the light category.

The Learjet 75 continues to set the standard by bringing large jet features to a light jet platform. As the only business jet in its class to feature an eight-seat double-club configuration, a flat floor throughout the cabin, and a pocket door for reduced noise levels, the class-defining aircraft offers a smooth ride and the ultimate in comfort and privacy.  

The Learjet 75’s modern interior was designed for style and comfort and features a new cabin management system with individual touchscreen monitors and full audio and video control, LED lighting throughout the aircraft, and a generous baggage suite.

Designed with the pilot’s comfort in mind, the Bombardier Vision flight deck features a synthetic vision system, enhanced ergonomics, and advanced touch screen controls for a more productive mission. The Learjet 75 aircraft’s powerful engines and new winglet design enable it to reach a top speed of Mach 0.81 and climb to an impressive operating ceiling of 51,000 feet (15,545 m). The Learjet 75 has an exceptional range capability greater than 2,000 nm (3,704 km), and can fly four passengers and two crew members non-stop from London to Moscow.

The Canada-headquartered Bombardier is a leading manufacturer of both planes and trains.