WICHITA – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Tuesday announced the details of the further expansion of Bombardier’s Learjet site in Wichita.
The growth of the site includes the expansion of the Bombardier Flight Test Center, the establishment of a Bombardier Center of Excellence of Engineering and Information Technology, new facilities for paint and production flight test as well as a new delivery center. The expansion will also help create 450 new jobs over the course of seven to 10 years.
“This is great news and indicates the strength of our relationship with the State of Kansas,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Learjet has a rich and solid history in Kansas and we are committed to ensuring that it continues to grow and prosper along with new programs such as the Learjet 85 aircraft.”
This expansion is being supported by an incentive offer worth $16 million in financial support from the State of Kansas, which will be added to the $600 million investment Bombardier is currently making to develop the Learjet 85 midsize jet and to expand Learjet’s Wichita facility.
Bombardier Aerospace continues to invest in both current production Learjet aircraft as well as innovative products such as the all new Learjet 85 midsize jet. Launched on October 30, 2007, the Learjet 85 aircraft is on schedule for entry into service in 2013.
“This great day for Wichita and Kansas highlights the strength and vibrancy of the Air Capital of the World,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “Our workforce, supplier base, infrastructure, research and development and aviation training assets are second to none and today’s announcement says that loud and clear. We value the strong commitment of Bombardier to Kansas and treasure this long-term, mutually beneficial relationship, which will lead to further opportunities and growth.”
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) Tuesday applauded the news of the continued expansion of the Bombardier Learjet site in Wichita, which will bring hundreds of new jobs to Kansas.
“I applaud Bombardier for their expansion and this significant investment in Wichita at a critical time in our economy,” Senator Roberts said. “Our aviation workforce is second to none, and will continue Wichita’s well-deserved reputation as Air Capital of the World. We are looking forward to the new opportunities this facility will provide.”
The news was announced at a press conference today with Governor Sam Brownback and Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft. The expansion will help create 450 new jobs over the next decade.
The sites expansion includes growth of the Bombardier Flight Test Center, the establishment of a Bombardier Center of Excellence of Engineering and Information Technology, new facilities for paint and production flight test, and a brand new delivery center.
Under Governor Brownback’s leadership, the state of Kansas will provide an incentive offer worth $16 million in financial support, adding to the $600 million investment by Bombardier to develop the Learjet 85 midsize jet and to expand its Wichita facility. The Learjet 85 was launched on October 30, 2007 and is scheduled to begin service in 2013.
Sen. Roberts is a strong advocate for the Air Capital of the World and the skilled aviation workers in Wichita.