Bombardier announced today that the first Bombardier Challenger 850 corporate shuttle has entered service with Suncor Energy Inc., a pioneer in the development of Western Canada’s vast oil sands resources.
One of the top private employers in the province of Alberta, with more than 3,500 employees, Suncor Energy will operate a high efficiency shuttle service for its personnel and contractors six days a week. The new 50-passenger Challenger 850 aircraft will shuttle passengers between Suncor’s Calgary headquarters and Fort McMurray in northern Alberta.
The Challenger 850 aircraft will complete each flight leg – a total distance of over 350 nautical miles (648 km) – in approximately one hour.
“The Challenger 850 corporate shuttle represents an ideal solution for Suncor,” commented Eric Axford, vice president, Business Services, Suncor Energy. “Now, more people working on our technology-based projects will be able to commute between the two cities with ease and comfort. We view this aircraft as an investment in people and productivity.”
Launched in May 2005, the Bombardier Challenger 850 corporate shuttle delivers the proven advantages of a widebody cabin, low direct operating costs, outstanding dispatch reliability and ease of maintenance, all hallmarks of the pioneering Bombardier CRJ200 airliner from which it is derived. The aircraft is part of the Bombardier Challenger family of corporate shuttles that also includes the Challenger 870 and Challenger 890.
“Our family of true corporate shuttles fills a real need today as companies face the challenge of transporting groups of employees to regional communities,” said James Hoblyn, vice-president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Suncor is one of a growing number of forward-thinking organizations worldwide to address the need for economical and flexible transportation solutions.”
Each Challenger corporate shuttle model offers a choice of three floorplan configurations, and multiple galley and lavatory options to suit a wide range of needs. All models feature stand-up cabins, a flat floor and a minimum 31-inch-pitch between seats.
The Challenger 850 aircraft delivers a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.80 (850 km/h) and can fly up to 2,231 nautical miles (4,132 km) with 27 passengers and 1,427 nautical miles (2,643 km) with a full 50-passenger load. The Challenger 870 and Challenger 890 shuttles, derivatives of the 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 and 90-seat CRJ900 respectively, can fly at Mach 0.82 (872 km/h).
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, 2006 were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Challenger 850, Challenger 870, Challenger 890, Challenger 850 ER, and Bombardier CRJ200, CRJ700 and CRJ900 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, media relations
Office: 514-855-7988
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com