Bombardier Aerospace and the Irish Minister for Defence Michael Smith, have officially finalised the sale of a Learjet 45 to the Irish Government.

The aircraft, designed for eight passengers and with a maximum range of 2,098 nautical miles, is scheduled for delivery in December 2003. This is in preparation for Ireland’s assumption of the European Union Presidency in January 2004. It will be based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel near Dublin, from where it will offer non-stop service throughout Europe.

Its primary function is to provide national and regional service for government personnel, but the aircraft will also be equipped to conduct air ambulance missions.

Minister Smith said: “The purchase of the Learjet 45 will allow the government to operate more efficiently during our term in the EU Presidency and into the future.”

Michael Ryan, vice president and general manager of Bombardier’s Belfast plant, where fuselages for Learjet 45 aircraft are designed and manufactured, welcomed the decision: “Not only is this purchase an excellent example of north-south trade, it also encourages the efforts we have been making to develop further the aerospace supply based within the island.”