Welcomed by Middle East launch customer His Highness Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi
The Bombardier Challenger* 300, the aerospace industry’s first true super-midsize business jet and newest member of Bombardier’s highly successful Challenger aircraft family, celebrated its Middle East debut today just weeks ahead of its milestone entry into service.
Aircraft s/n 20005 was welcomed at the Dubai Air Show by His Highness Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Bombardier Challenger 300 launch customer in the Middle East. The aircraft arrived from Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrating its outstanding non-stop range and reliability.
The Bombardier Challenger 300, featuring a complete production interior, is appearing in Dubai after obtaining full certification, in record time, from regulatory authorities in North America and Europe. This showcase aircraft is open for viewing at Bombardier’s static display during the entire show.
“I am pleased to welcome the Bombardier Challenger 300 to Dubai and the Middle East,” commented His Highness Sheikh Saleh, a long-time Bombardier aircraft operator who is scheduled to take delivery of his aircraft in mid-2004. He explained that its non-stop capability, combined with the advanced technology incorporated in the Bombardier Challenger 300, were key factors in his decision to acquire the aircraft. “The fact that I can fly to North America from Riyadh with one stop, and gain more flexible access to Asia and Australia, were very appealing to me,” he said. A certified pilot, His Highness Sheikh Saleh currently owns and operates a Bombardier Learjet* 60 midsize business jet.
Popular city pairs available to Bombardier Challenger 300 operators in the Middle East include non-stop flights from Dubai-Bangkok, Dubai-Geneva, Riyadh-London, Riyadh-Paris and Abu Dhabi-Rome.
Mike Fahey, regional vice-president, sales, Middle East and Africa, Business Aircraft, noted that the Bombardier Challenger 300 offers operators in the Middle East new standards of comfort, performance, and reliability. “As the aircraft approaches entry into service, it is garnering increasing sales and interest throughout the region. Operators recognize its outstanding features, such as the best cabin in its class, fast, long-range capability, built-in reliability and state-of-the-art avionics.”
The successful road to first delivery
The first group of Bombardier Challenger 300 jets is preparing to enter service. Completions work is now concluding for these first aircraft, capping a tremendously successful period highlighted by regulatory agencies awarding the first certificate of airworthiness, and full type certification being granted in record time by the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC).
Beyond clearing these key milestones, Bombardier personnel are actively completing an innovative three-pronged service-readiness plan, reflecting Bombardier’s commitment to enter service with a mature aircraft design. “This will minimize any surprises in the field and allow for a smooth introduction, an unprecedented achievement in this category of aircraft,” noted Mr. Fahey.
Barely were the type approvals awarded before Bombardier began proving the impressive transcontinental range and reliability of the new jet. The Bombardier Challenger 300 set a new record flying Miami-Seattle with a full eight-passenger payload in just five hours and 48 minutes. On June 12, it shattered an existing record by flying Boston-Le Bourget in just six hours, eight minutes. Both records were sanctioned by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and an NAA official was on board for each flight.
The Bombardier Challenger 300 was developed from a clean sheet design and can carry eight passengers and their luggage in a class-leading cabin over distances of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,741 km) at a top speed of Mach 0.82 (541 mph; 870 km/h). The aircraft offers a state-of-the-art Collins Pro Line avionics suite and is powered by Honeywell’s new AS907 high bypass ratio turbofan engines offering 6,826 pounds (30.36 kN) of thrust, flat rated to ISA +15°C.
Best-in-class cabin
The Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet cabin, measuring 28.6 ft. (8.72 m) in length, has been designed to provide a highly productive working environment for travelers. The aircraft’s well-appointed standard interior floor plan features double-club seating with ample room for reclining seats and incorporates ergonomic tables, power outlets and telephones at key seats.
The aircraft’s flat floor enhances passenger movement throughout the cabin while comfort is enhanced through swiveling seats and alternative floor plans. The absence of a secondary pressure bulkhead provides greater flexibility in optimizing the cabin, lavatory and baggage spaces. The baggage compartment measures 106 cubic feet
(3.0 cu. m) and is accessible in flight.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet* and Bombardier Skyjet* business aircraft programs, technical services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at $23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Dubai Chalet: 971-4-2866150
Mobile : 971-50-450-2723