More than 50 per cent of aircraft designed and built in Asia-Pacific
The Bombardier Challenger* 300, the newest member of the Challenger aircraft family, today marks its Asian debut shortly after the successful entry into service of the first group of aircraft.
Bombardier Challenger 300 s/n 20005, carrying two Bombardier Aerospace pilots and several passengers, including former U.S. astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, arrived in Singapore following a flight from Wichita, Kansas.
The aircraft is open for viewing at the Asian Aerospace static display. It will then undertake a demonstration tour in Australia.
“We already have received firm orders for the Bombardier Challenger 300 from operators in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and there is growing interest in these and other countries of the region,” notes David Dixon, regional vice-president, sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft.
Mr. Dixon says operators recognize the aircraft’s outstanding features such as the best cabin in its class, long-range capability, competitive operating costs and state-of-the-art avionics. “It is clear by their reaction that the wait has been worth it – this is a world leader and we expect to build on our success to date.”
Popular city pairs available to Bombardier Challenger 300 Asia-Pacific operators include non-stop flights from Singapore-Tokyo, Singapore-Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur-Perth and Kuala Lumpur-Osaka.
The Bombardier Challenger 300 became the first purpose-built aircraft to enter service in the emerging super-midsize market segment in early January when it joined Bombardier’s Flexjet fractional ownership program. As of February 20, four Challenger 300 aircraft had entered Flexjet service and the fleet had flown over 500 hours.
Components built by Asian aerospace leaders
Bombardier Aerospace is working with three leading aerospace companies in Asia-Pacific on the detail design, manufacture and integration of critical components for the Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan is building the complete wing section, Aerospace Industry Development Corporation (AIDC) of Taiwan is providing the aft fuselage and empennage sections, and Hawker de Havilland Pty. Ltd. of Australia is responsible for the tailcone, and the installation kit for the auxiliary power unit which is housed in the tailcone.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 were $21.2 billion Cdn and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
N.B. Fiscal year 2002-03 revenues have been restated following the sale of the recreational products business.
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Bombardier Chalet: (65) 6214 3289