* Ferry fees waived to Europe and Hawaii on transcontinental Bombardier Challenger business jets
* New international options offer all owners a choice of fixed rates or interchange ratio
Bombardier Flexjet, the fractional business jet ownership program of Bombardier Aerospace, announced two new program enhancements that reduce the cost of travel to Europe and Hawaii on Bombardier Challenger aircraft and provide all Flexjet owners with additional, cost-effective choices when traveling internationally.
Effective immediately, Flexjet is offering ferry fee waivers to and from Europe and Hawaii for owners of Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 604 aircraft. This fee waiver follows the success of a Flexjet initiative launched in February when the company began waiving ferry fees for travel to and from the Caribbean and other island destinations, becoming the first fractional program to do so. Ferry fees, or repositioning fees, are typically charged for travel outside the contiguous United States to cover the cost of bringing the aircraft back to the mainland or sending it to an international or remote destination.
"These new international travel options underscore Flexjet's commitment to delivering value and new program enhancements to our owners while leading the industry in innovation," said Michael McQuay, President, Bombardier Aircraft Services.
According to Mr. McQuay, waiving ferry fees to and from Europe and Hawaii represents a significant benefit and cost savings for owners of the new, super mid-size Challenger 300 and the large Challenger 604. The waiver option is subject to certain operational restrictions.
New Travel Options Through Bombardier Skyjet International
In addition, Flexjet announced new international travel options for all owners through its London-based sister organization, Bombardier Skyjet International, which offers an exclusive network of Bombardier business jet operators.
Flexjet owners now have the choice of using their Flexjet hours for travel on the Skyjet International network - utilizing a simple interchange ratio - or they may take advantage of Skyjet International fixed-rate, occupied hours pricing, which is normally only available to customers purchasing a Jet Membership Card. The new choices apply to owners who wish to fly between two locations within the European service area. The European service area encompasses Central and Eastern Europe.
Flexjet owners continue to have the option to use Flexjet aircraft for trips within Europe, but the Skyjet International network provides additional, more economical travel solutions. Owners can also use Skyjet International to fly to an expanded fixed-price service area that includes the Middle East.
"The scope of our international service area is yet another Flexjet advantage that delivers superior business jet travel solutions around the globe," said Mr. McQuay. "The Skyjet International network provides travel exclusively on Bombardier aircraft, with uncompromising levels of service, safety and reliability. In addition, giving Flexjet owners a choice between using their Flexjet hours or taking advantage of Skyjet International preferred pricing offers increased flexibility and value for our owners," he added.
About Flexjet
Established in 1995 and based in Richardson, 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 aircraft type that best fits 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). Flexjet guarantees 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. 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 an exclusive family of Bombardier business jets, including the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, 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, 2005 were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto stock exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Flexjet, Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Learjet and Skyjet International are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
George-Ann Rosenberg
Bombardier Flexjet
202-887-1921
garosenberg@redpointcommunications.com
www.flexjet.com
www.bombardier.com