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The Model 85 has a planned entry into service of 2014.

Bombardier Inc. has indefinitely delayed first flight of its new Learjet 85 business plane after technicians discovered a problem requiring a software update.

Spokeswoman Annie Cossette said on Wednesday that the "system issue" was spotted during a routine pre-flight review.

"Our teams are focused on addressing the matter," she said.

The aircraft was scheduled for its maiden flight last Thursday but it had to be put off on account of poor weather conditions, senior Bombardier executives said at the time.

First flight should "happen in the coming days," Bombardier Aerospace president Guy Hachey said at an investors' conference in New York.

But Ms. Cossette said on Wednesday the weather was not the entire reason for the flight being put off last Thursday.

"The weather was part of it but it was only one element," she said.

She did not provide details on the precise nature of the complication preventing the Learjet's taking to the skies.

The 10-passenger all-composite jet – one of Bombardier's major new models in the aerospace segment – has already been delayed due to other technical problems and was supposed to have had its first flight by the end of last year.

A revised date for entry into service will be announced after first flight, said Ms. Cossette. The plane had initially been scheduled for entry into service this summer.

There have been delays as well in the rollout of two upgraded Learjets, the 70 and 75.

Bombardier has also experienced several delays with its new C Series narrowbody commercial aircraft.

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