Bombardier Aerospace and ExecuJet South Africa are pleased to showcase the debut of the new Bombardier Challenger 300 jet in South Africa as part of a global tour of potential markets. During the aircraft’s short stay in the country, ExecuJet will be hosting exclusive demos for potential customers, pilots and media.
The Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet entered service in the emerging super-midsize market segment in January 2004. As of May 10, the in-service fleet, including the function and reliability test aircraft had already logged over 2,400 hours in daily service worldwide. The jet has successfully criss-crossed over the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans and proven its reliability in extensive tours in North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Seven Bombardier Challenger 300 jets are currently in service.
“The plane is ideally suited to the rigors of the African continent. Its impressive 3,100 nautical mile range (5,741 km) allows the operator to complete trips that previously required refueling stops,” said Mike Fahey, Regional vice-president, Sales, Middle East & Africa, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft. “The aircraft’s ability to operate on short runways is also a huge benefit for African operators,” noted Mr. Fahey.
Prior to developing the new business jet, Bombardier undertook an intensive 24-month market research program with aircraft owners. “They told us that the aircraft needed a stand-up cabin, greater range, an ability to operate on shorter runways, high long-range cruise speeds, reduced operating expenses and the ability to seat eight passengers,” continued Mr. Fahey. “A pretty tall order, but something we delivered on in every aspect.”
The Bombardier Challenger 300 can fly non-stop from Lanseria, South Africa to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and, with one stop, from South Africa to Europe, South America and Australasia.
“We believe that the Bombardier Challenger 300 will make the local business case for private aircraft ownership even stronger. With the increased activity in the mining, electrical and oil industries, business aircraft sales will definitely see significant growth in Africa in the next couple of years,” concluded Mr. Poggi.
About ExecuJet - South Africa
ExecuJet is one of Africa’s leading business aviation providers and is based at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg. The company offers a total business aviation solution encompassing new aircraft sales (official Bombardier Business Aircraft sales agent in southern Africa and Pilatus PC-12 agent in sub-Saharan Africa); maintenance (Bombardier and Pilatus Authorised Service Facility) and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services. ExecuJet currently operates a large fleet under full and partial management and offers more than 10 aircraft for charter, deployed in key regional cities.
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 $15.4 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.
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information:
Jacinda Redman
ExecuJet Aviation Group
Lansaria : +27 11 516 2300
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Montréal : (514) 855-7988