Pioneering charter brand spreads its wings worldwide
· Middle East expansion
· Europe and Asia-Pacific programmes consolidated
· U.S. ties strengthened
Bombardier today introduced Skyjet International, the first integrated global charter services programme capable of providing travelers with unrestricted and fixed-price access to more than 900 business jets worldwide.
Bombardier also announced it is establishing Skyjet International in the Middle East region, expanding a successful network already operating across Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America.
Together with the new Middle East operation – scheduled to begin service in February 2005 – the current Bombardier Flexjet Europe and Bombardier Flexjet Asia-Pacific programmes are being grouped under the Bombardier Skyjet International banner, the most recognized and trusted brand in the business jet charter market. Skyjet International will offer a block-hours programme valid across all regions through its Jet Membership Card as well as Ad-Hoc Charter services.
“It is in our corporate DNA to understand market needs and to provide solutions to emerging trends,” stated Judith Moreton, managing director, Bombardier Skyjet International. “Following the success of our Jet Membership programme, introduced in Europe two years ago, the majority of our customers now fly to, from and within different regions of the world. This growing trend, combined with an increasing acceptance of business aviation in Asia and the Middle East, represents a unique opportunity to significantly raise the standard of business jet charter services worldwide.
“Skyjet International is now positioned to provide customers a seamless global travel solution, offering passengers the unprecedented ability to purchase business jet transportation from a single source and fly anytime, anywhere in the world,” added Ms. Moreton. “We’ve all heard this before – but this is truly one-stop shopping at its best.”
In addition, there is a stronger linkage between newly formed Skyjet International and U.S.-based Bombardier Skyjet, which pioneered on-line charter reservations in 1997.
“The Skyjet brand is acknowledged across both the aviation and leisure travel industries as the benchmark in North American charter service and we are very pleased to see this powerful brand introduced in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East,” added Alexandre Monnier, managing director, Bombardier Skyjet.
Bombardier Skyjet offices in Europe and Asia-Pacific are continuing to provide on-the-ground regional support. Contractual, sales and marketing activities for all Bombardier Skyjet International services are now streamlined into a standard package. Similarly, contracts, operational procedures and marketing activities for both Bombardier Skyjet International and Bombardier Skyjet in North America will be aligned to help ensure a seamless travel experience.
Bombardier Skyjet International – together with Bombardier Skyjet – is the only service of its kind to be developed by a business aircraft manufacturer. Featuring the world’s largest fleet of Bombardier aircraft – including the Bombardier Learjet 31A, 40, 45/45XR and 60; the Bombardier Challenger 300, 601-3R, 604 and 800; and the Bombardier Global Express – it offers access to more than 5,500 airports worldwide.
Bombardier Skyjet International has offices in London and Hong Kong, and will base its new Middle East operation in Dubai, U.A.E. Bombardier Skyjet is headquartered near Washington D.C.
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 and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Note to Editors
Bombardier Skyjet International, Skyjet, Flexjet, Learjet, Challenger and Global Express are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Information:
Europe:
Christopher Clark
Financial Dynamics
+44 (207) 269 7201
christopher.clark@fd.com
North America:
George-Ann Rosenberg
Bombardier Skyjet
+ 1 202 887 1921
pr@skyjet.com
www.bombardier.com