Order complements fleet of Learjet 60, Challenger 604 and Global Express XRS aircraft
Bombardier Aerospace announced today that VistaJet has placed a firm order for three next-generation Bombardier Challenger 605 business jets, and has signed an option for two additional aircraft. It is the first and largest multiple aircraft order placed by a European company for the new jet.
The new Challenger 605 widebody business jets, featuring advanced avionics and superior cabin comfort will be operated by VistaJet, a premier business jet charter operation, financing and brokerage company headquartered in Switzerland with operations based in Salzburg, Austria. VistaJet currently has 11 jets either in operation or on order. The company will take delivery of its first new Challenger 605 aircraft in late 2007, shortly after the aircraft’s scheduled entry into service. The list price for the typically equipped aircraft, excluding options, is approximately $81 million US.
VistaJet will also take delivery of one additional Global Express XRS ultra long-range aircraft and two Challenger 604 business jets.
“This latest order further demonstrates VistaJet’s commitment to offer the newest fleet, coupled with the finest services to satisfy customers who demand the very best. We are very pleased with our current fleet of Learjet 60, Challenger 604 and Global Express XRS aircraft and we anticipate the new Challenger 605 jet’s spacious cabin and restyled interior, will offer our discriminating clients the ultimate in comfort and convenience,” said Bing Chen, chief executive officer, VistaJet.
VistaJet currently operates two Bombardier Learjet 60 midsize jets, two Challenger 604 widebody aircraft and one ultra-long range Global Express XRS business jet. “Our brand represents the highest in service quality, an outstanding safety track record spanning 18 years, and uncompromising attention to detail. The Bombardier family of proven, high performance business jets offers us the product range and means to further enhance VistaJet’s brand equity,” noted Mr. Chen.
“VistaJet’s multiple aircraft order builds on the ongoing confidence European operators have demonstrated in the Challenger widebody aircraft family. The purchase is part of VistaJet’s strategy to convert its entire business jet fleet to Bombardier aircraft, offering the many advantages of fleet commonality as well as full access to the Bombardier Skyjet International charter network,” said Jahid Fazal-Karim, senior vice president, new aircraft sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “In addition to strengthening Bombardier’s position as a business aviation leader in Europe, it affirms the enthusiastic market acceptance of the new Challenger 605 jet.”
Launched in November 2005, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any large-size business jet available today. It operates at a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.82 (870 km/h), and offers an increased payload capacity of 200 pounds (91 kg). The aircraft is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite that supports real-time satellite graphical weather and electronic charts to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, and features a state-of-the-art Ethernet-based Cabin Electronic System.
Following a successful first flight on January 22, 2006, the Challenger 605 aircraft began a 200-hour flight test and certification program at Bombardier’s Flight Test Center in Wichita, Kansas. As of July 14, the aircraft had accumulated over 185 flight hours during 53 flights. Certification by Transport Canada is expected in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the aircraft is scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2007.
The Global Express XRS business jet features the largest cabin of any purpose-built corporate aircraft, offering approximately 28 per cent more cabin volume and 45 per cent more floor space than its closest competitor. Designed to provide a highly productive working environment and deliver ultimate comfort, the stand up cabin features a three-compartment configuration.
About VistaJet
One of the fastest growing and most successful companies offering private jet charter, operation, financing and brokarage services. The VistaJet fleet will soon comprise 14 medium to ultra-long range jets, with an average service of less than two years. VistaJet operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, to any destination in the world. Information is available at www.vista-jet.com, or by calling +43 (0) 662 640 2000.
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, Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Learjet 60, Global Express XRS and Skyjet Inernational are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, communications
Bombardier Business Aircraft
Cell: 514-969-5181
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com