Bombardier Aerospace today announced that the Learjet 85 aircraft successfully completed its first flight, achieving a major milestone in a business aircraft development program that will redefine the midsize segment. This first flight marks the start of the Learjet 85 aircraft's flight test program leading up to the first customer delivery.

The Learjet 85 flight test vehicle one (FTV1) was flown by Captain Ed Grabman, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center; assisted by his co-pilot, Jim Dwyer; and Flight Test Engineer Nick Weyers. The flight departed from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport at 8:19 am CST.

During its maiden flight which lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the Learjet 85 aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) and an air speed of 250 knots (463 km/h; 287 mph). All flight controls were exercised with the systems and aircraft performing as expected.