In an impressive display of its true coast-to-coast range, the new Bombardier Challenger 300 – one of the best-selling aircraft in the Bombardier Flexjet fractional jet ownership fleet –set a world speed record today for this class of aircraft on a trip from Carlsbad, Calif., to Bangor, Maine.
The Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft departed the 4,897-foot (1,493 m) runway, 4,600-foot (1,402 m) usable length, in Carlsbad at 7:58 AM PST with two Bombardier Flexjet pilots, eight passengers and their baggage. The average tail wind during the flight was 47 knots and the temperature at take off was 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
The aircraft arrived at Bangor International Airport four hours and 41 minutes after cruising at an average speed of 572 mph (921 km/h) at a maximum cruising level of 41,000 feet (12,497 m), landing with full fuel reserves and establishing a new record for this 2,712 statute mile (4,365 km) route.
The speed record has been certified by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and ratification is now pending from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
“The aircraft performed flawlessly, demonstrating its superior takeoff, speed and range capabilities,” said Rick Handschuch, Chief Pilot for Bombardier Flexjet and pilot-in-command of the flight and along with co-captain Kip Knuth.
“The Challenger 300 is ideal for Flexjet owners as they routinely fly long distances with greater passenger loads out of smaller, less congested airfields,” said Bob Knebel, Vice President, Sales, Bombardier Flexjet.
This latest achievement follows earlier speed records set by Bombardier for routes that include Miami to Seattle, Maui to Houston and Boston to Paris.
The first Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft entered service with Bombardier Flexjet in January 2004. The Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 300 fleet will grow to nine aircraft this year and to 18 by the end of next year.
About Flexjet
Established in 1995 and based in Dallas, Texas, Bombardier Flexjet offers a turnkey program allowing individuals or companies to purchase a share in a Bombardier business jet at a fraction of the full ownership cost. Flexjet owners select the most appropriate aircraft type for their needs, determine the number of hours per year they fly, and purchase shares of the Bombardier business jets starting at a share size of 1/16th (equal to 50 hours flying per year).
Flexjet guarantees 24-hour access to its fleet with as little as six hours notice and can fly into 10 times the number of airports available to commercial flights, for maximum travel flexibility. Owners pay predictable monthly management and usage fees, while Bombardier Flexjet manages aircraft maintenance, flight crews, hangars, fuel and insurance on their behalf. Flexjet is the only fractional provider that fields the complete family of Bombardier business jets, including the Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 60, Challenger 300 and Challenger 604.
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, 2004 were $15.5 billion US 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.
Bombardier Flexjet, Challenger and Learjet are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Steve Phillips
Bombardier Flexjet
972-720-2406
214-755-5453
stephen.phillips@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com