![]() ![]() An aircraft variant is defined as the development of a new aircraft product via the increase (or decrease) of gross weight or the incorporation of enhancements through any equipment/amenities upgrade/improvement. Generally for aircraft manufacturers, an aircraft family build strategy comprises some or all of the following elements: (1) baseline or “clean-sheet” aircraft (2) variant(s) and (3) derivative(s). In this respect, once the baseline design has achieved a certain level of maturity, variant or derivative aircraft conceived concurrently with the original baseline can be strategically introduced to the market, replacing the aging product line or targeting new niches. Furthermore, such a common product range avails the opportunity to promote a family upgrade path for operators. This ensures a common basis for design, maintenance and operating procedures. In line with such requirements, Bombardier Aerospace is increasingly focusing on the incorporation of true aircraft family concepts from the outset when designing new aircraft products. Factors such as reliability, maintainability, utility, perceived safety, efficiency, operating costs, brand name loyalty and aesthetics affect any predisposition a customer has to purchasing an aircraft. One of the most difficult tasks in the competitive environment of aircraft manufacturing and sales is to produce a vehicle comprising a particular mix of design specifications at a price the market is willing to absorb. The success of this strategy resulted in significant growth in revenues and net income over the next few years, and led to an unprecedented launch of 14 new product offerings in both the regional and business jet markets since the inception of Bombardier Aerospace in 1986. The acquisitions enhanced Bombardier’s position in the international aerospace community and underlined its commitment to employees, customers and shareholders 1. Bombardier deliberately chose acquisition as the way to quickly gain access to the technology it needed to ensure growth. 3 shows three early de Havilland designs. ![]() Its expertise in the regional aviation industry complemented well Bombardier Aerospace’s product development strategy and growth into the regional jet market. Founded in 1928 and a pioneer of STOL technology, de Havilland’s innovative products not only assisted in opening up the Canadian north, but also forged new market niches that capitalized on the unique features of the de Havilland aircraft. In 1997, de Havilland became fully owned by Bombardier. The final member of the Bombardier Aerospace family was acquired in 1992 in conjunction with the government of Ontario through the purchase of de Havilland Canada from Boeing. 2 below shows the first business jet developed by Learjet: the Model 23. The Learjet purchase also gave Bombardier access to a complete business jet product line that fit in well with its Canadair Challenger offering, and allowed the use of a name that over the years has become synonymous with the business jet genre. This strategic transaction not only provided Bombardier with an established foothold in the United States. A few months after purchasing Shorts from the British government, Bombardier further expanded its aerospace division by acquiring Learjet. The expertise gained from over 80 years of aircraft design and manufacture complemented well that gained through the Canadair acquisition. A pioneer in the aviation industry having developed several civil and military aircraft and seaplanes, Shorts received the first ever aircraft production contract to produce 6 Wright Flyers for Wilbur and Orville Wright. The privatization of Northern Ireland’s Shorts Brothers PLC (Shorts) provided Bombardier with an opportunity to consolidate its aerospace activities, and in 1989 Shorts joined the Bombardier industrial family. ![]() Through several name changes including a spell under General Dynamics ownership, Canadair introduced to the world numerous innovative and long-lived aircraft designs, many of which are still flying to this day. small group of Canadian Vickers employees, Canadair is steeped in Canadian aviation achievement. ![]()
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