When people are asked to name a top luxury car brand, they often respond, “Mercedes-Benz,” “Cadillac,” “Porsche” or even “Ferrari.” So, what comes to mind when asked to name an iconic business jet brand? For many of us, it’s definitely Learjet.
Bill Lear created the small, fast Learjet in the early 1960s, and over the decades more than 3,000 Learjets have been delivered to customer across the globe. During this six-decade period, these stylish workhorses have been a solid fixture of business and private aviation. A testament to their quality and reputation is that more than 2,000 are still in flight service today.
TTA Celebrates Lear’s Vision
So, in February 2021, when the jet’s manufacturer, Bombardier, announced that it planned to end manufacturing production of this popular jet by the end of 2021, many in our industry felt pangs of sadness. Yet, at the same time, it provided an opportunity for Thrust Tech Accessories and aviation companies worldwide to celebrate Bill Lear’s vision, Learjet’s storied heritage, and what the jet has meant over the years to those in business- and private-jet aviation.
At the time of the announcement, Eric Martel, Bombardier’s president and CEO, explained to the media that the decision wasn’t made lightly. “The iconic Learjet has had a remarkable and lasting impact on business aviation,” he stressed.
But moving forward, Bombardier has revealed a comprehensive plan to reduce costs, focus on its Global and Challenger aircraft families, and refocus its facilities in Wichita towards flight test and special missions aircraft. In making that announcement on Sept. 15, 2021, it was noted that Bombardier will also repurpose Wichita as a center of excellence (COE), as it transitions from production to maintenance and support of its line of light and mid-size jets.
One Thing is For Sure…
One fact we’re sure of, however, is that Learjets will remain an important part of the business and private aviation sector well into the future, thanks to MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services available to private owners, aviation businesses and corporations that own one or even a fleet of these jets.
We’re proud to say that with three decades of experience in performing high-quality MRO services for Learjet components, Thrust Tech Accessories (TAA) likewise is a solid fixture of business and private aviation. As an FAA/EASA-certified 145 Repair Station, our services range from FAA-approved repair of emergency batteries and hydraulic pumps, to installing freshly overhaul motors for stab actuators during every stab actuator overhaul to ensure reliability on your Lear aircraft – just to name a few.
So, although the production of new Learjets is drawing to a close, TTA is here to assist customers in keeping their existing Learjets in excellent condition. So buckle up, folks – as these aircraft are going to continue to soar well into the future.
