Page 72 - World Airnews Magazine February 2020 Edition

NEWS NEWS

AIRLINK TO OPERATE UNDER OWN AVIONICS UPGRADE ON LEARJET

FLIGHT CODE AIRCRAFT

efficiency, and the ever-popular Garmin requirements and deliver efficiency gains
G5000 integrated flight deck further that are expected to lower direct operating
Bombardier has announced that enhances this platform with modern costs. Pilots will also benefit from a vast
the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration features such as wireless connectivity, array of wireless connectivity features,
(FAA) has certified the latest update to FANS 1/A+ and more,” said Carl Wolf, vice including two-way flight plan transfers
between compatible apps and avionics,
the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite president, aviation sales and marketing, available thanks to Garmin’s Flight Stream
Garmin. “We’re thrilled to work alongside
Airlink, Africa’s largest private- aboard Learjet aircraft. Bombardier to deliver a state-of-the-art 510 solution.
ly-owned airline, will operate under The upgrade will be incorporated on new avionics suite with an advanced feature The Learjet 75 Liberty has the same oper-
its own ‘4Z’ flight code on services Learjet aircraft deliveries. set that reduces pilot workload, improves ating costs as its competitors in the light jet
operated with effect from 11 June In a few months’ time, the new Garmin situational awareness and gives pilots a category while offering the most spacious
2020. G5000 avionics suite will also be a standard superior in-flight experience.” cabin, the fastest speed, the longest range
This decision represents an important feature on Bombardier’s newest Learjet, Bombardier’s recent enhancements and the smoothest ride. It is also a step
milestone in extending the commercial the Learjet 75 Liberty, which is expected include a standard pocket door for up from other light jets in terms of safety
reach of the airline in its own right. to enter service in mid-2020. A retrofit for the quietest flight as well as extended standards, certified to the FAA's more
Selling seats on flights under the in-service Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft maintenance intervals that drive down stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to
“4Z” flight code will enable Airlink to will be available in early 2020. operating costs. The spacious new Learjet commercial airliners, unlike other light jets
develop more routes and frequencies “The latest Garmin G5000 avionics 75 Liberty is getting strong interest on the certified to Part 23 regulations.
on an independent basis, as well as suite is one of many reasons to love market. A full-size interior mock-up of this The six-seat configuration aboard the
extend opportunities to establish new Learjet,” said Peter Likoray, senior vice value-added business jet has already made Learjet 75 Liberty gives light jet passengers
agreements with leading international president, worldwide sales and marketing, several appearances to positive reviews. unprecedented freedom to stretch out. A
airlines. Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With a The new Garmin G5000 avionics suite standard pocket door between the cockpit
Airlink and South African Airways steady stream of acclaimed enhancements will bring workload-reducing improve- and Executive Suite delivers a quiet flight,
(SAA) have redefined their partnership changes may cause for our customers. This represents the best and the upcoming entry-into-service of ments, including climb, cruise and descent while retractable side tables and stowable
by replacing their franchise agreement with a new commercial way to ensure we continue serving all our passengers in a seamless the new Learjet 75 Liberty, Bombardier vertical navigation, enhanced take-off ottomans ensure productivity and comfort.
arrangement from 11 June 2020. manner, whilst also securing the best interests of Airlink, its is making the world’s best light jet an and landing performance calculations and The Learjet 75 Liberty has a range of
Where in terms of the franchise, flights operated by Airlink carry customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders for the future,” irresistible choice for more operators than much more. FANS 1/A+, which enables 2,080 nautical miles, able to connect Las
the “SA8” flight designator, under the new commercial arrange- said Foster. ever before.” access to the most efficient and favourable Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington,
ment they will operate as Airlink’s unique “4Z” code. “While we intend working with SAA’s business rescue practici- “The Learjet is an iconic symbol routes will be offered as an option. It will D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco,
The new agreement will enable a seamless transition with tioners to find a solution that enables SAA to continue playing its that is known for its performance and ensure readiness for modernized airspace nonstop. Q
minimum inconvenience to customers. important role in the Southern African market, we have a responsi-
The change marks a new era in the long-standing commercial bility to take action to preserve Airlink’s viability as a financially-ro-
agreement with SAA. bust, independent and privately-owned airline. However, should
While SAA remains an important strategic pillar in Airlink’s SAA’s circumstance worsen, then Airlink will activate the transition
strategy, the new arrangement gives Airlink the freedom to extend sooner - immediately, if necessary,” he said.
its commercial reach, develop more routes and frequencies on an At present tickets already issued for travel on flights with “SA8”
independent basis and extend or establish additional agreements flight numbers from 11th June 2020 will remain valid for travel
with other leading international airlines. subject to re-accommodation by Airlink.
“Marketing and selling flights under our own 4Z code is an Customers holding SAA 083 tickets for flights after 10th June,
exciting development for Airlink as we propagate our business and who do not want to be re-accommodated, may apply to SAA for
take advantage of new market opportunities. At the same time, a refund or through other channels, such as the credit card issuer
we will be able to strengthen our vital partnership with SAA,” said used for payment or insurance.
Airlink CEO and managing director, Rodger Foster. SAA refunds will be managed in line with its Business Rescue
“We sincerely regret any short term inconvenience these policies. Q

A NEW

COAT

This Boeing B777-206 with
KLM Asia registration
number ER PH-BQI was
rolled out from the
Aviation Cosmetics
hangar at Luqa, Malta in Bombardier has announced that the U.S. Federal Aviation
January after a repaint. Administration (FAA) has certified the latest update to the popular
Photo by John Visanich Garmin G5000 avionics suite aboard Learjet aircraft

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